MARSHALLVILLE – Cape May County officials officially opened the new Marshallville Road pedestrian bridge Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Commission Director Leonard C. Desiderio, Commissioner Bobby Barr and County Engineer Bob Church were present for the ceremony at the site along County Route 632 over Mill Creek to mark the completion of the project.
“This project allows us to preserve an important part of Cape May County’s history while providing a safe and accessible crossing for residents and visitors,” Desiderio said. “The new pedestrian bridge improves access to the Marshallville Historic District while maintaining the character of this historic area.”
The bridge replaces the historic Marshallville Road Bridge originally constructed in 1901. Due to significant structural deterioration, the previous bridge had been closed to vehicular traffic since 2004.
The new structure provides a safe crossing designed specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists while maintaining the historic character of the Marshallville area. The site lies within the Marshallville Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Marshallville itself once served as a center of glass manufacturing in southern New Jersey history.
County officials said the project reflects a balance between historic preservation and modern infrastructure improvements. The Warren truss style pedestrian bridge echoes the design of the original structure while incorporating updated engineering and safety standards.
The design also raises the bridge elevation to provide approximately five feet of clearance for boat traffic along Mill Creek and includes a ten-foot-wide pathway that meets ADA accessibility standards while minimizing impacts to surrounding wetlands. Officials noted the bridge will enhance pedestrian and bicycle access to the historic Marshallville area while preserving an important part of the community’s heritage.