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UPDATE: Shark River Bridge Reopened

State Department of Transportation diagnosed an electrical problem

Posted Sun, Jan 1, 2012 at 3:27 pm ET|Updated Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 8:10 pm ET

The Route 71 Shark River Bridge, which connects Avon-By-The-Sea and Belmar, is back in business.

The bridge was stuck in the up position since around 7 a.m. Sunday, according to Avon Police Chief Terence P. Mahon

"There was no definitive answer [as to the problem]," Mahon said. "But they [the DOT] did say it was an electrical problem."

Barricades near the bridge entrance were put in place yesterday by the DOT.

Traffic in Avon was diverted at the intersection of Washington Avenue, the chief said.

Motorists also had the choice to travel on Route 35 or Ocean Avenue, Belmar police said.

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