MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, NJ -- On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the Cape May County public works department discovered a sinkhole forming in the northbound shoulder area of Bayshore Road (C.R. 603) at the Fishing Creek culvert crossing. Upon further inspection by the County Engineer, it was determined that the sub-base under the northbound lane and at least a portion of the southbound lane had scoured out, leaving the asphalt paving surface unsupported. As a result, Bayshore Road was immediately closed at this location and a detour has been established until emergency repairs are completed.
Northbound Bayshore Road thru traffic wishing to access Del Haven and/or Route 47 will be detoured east onto Fulling Mill Road (C.R. 654) to Route 47. Traffic will then proceed north on Route 47 where motorists can access Bayshore Road and proceed up to Rutledge Avenue of the Del Haven section of Middle Township or simply continue on Route 47 heading north.
Southbound Route 47 traffic approaching Bayshore Road and wishing to continue as thru traffic south on Bayshore Road will be directed to continue along Route 47 south to Fulling Mill Road (C.R. 654). Traffic will then be directed west onto Fulling Mill Road back to Bayshore Road where they can continue heading south.
Local northbound Bayshore Road traffic will be permitted to continue north on Bayshore Road to Miami Avenue and will be permitted to proceed to the Lower Township senior citizens center. There will be a full closure at the culvert crossing. Likewise, local southbound traffic on Bayshore Road approaching from Route 47 will be permitted to continue to travel south to Rutledge Avenue in Middle Township and will be permitted to access County Park South.
There will be a full closure near Rutledge Avenue on the north side of the culvert crossing as well. All local businesses will remain open and accessible.
The County has developed a work plan and has entered into an emergency contract to make the necessary culvert and roadway improvements. Due to the extensive nature of the work, it is anticipated that repairs will take 2-3 weeks and this portion of Bayshore Road will remain impassable until the repairs are completed. Motorists are advised to account for additional travel times.