Group fights to save historic Glimmer Glass Bridge

<p>A New Jersey group is trying to save a historic bridge that connects Brielle to Manasquan.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 21, 2018, 11:25 PM

Updated 2,147 days ago

Share:

A New Jersey group is trying to save a historic bridge that connects Brielle to Manasquan.
The Glimmer Glass Bridge was built around 1883 and has connected the two towns for 135 years. The drawbridge was installed in 1938.
“It's the only bridge of its type left in the world today, so it's worth saving our history,” says Fran Drew, of Save the Historic Glimmer Glass Bridge.
The bridge’s unique counterweight design originated in 19th century France. It features a drawbridge lifted by cables connected to a counterweight on an elliptical track.
The bridge got its name because the body of water it crosses has always been referred to as the ‘Glimmer Glass.’
County officials say that it is time to consider the future of the bridge.
“The bridge is nearing the end of its useful life and we're evaluating whether or not it's able to be completely rehabilitated or if it needs to be replaced,” says Monmouth County engineer Joseph Ettore.
The Glimmer Glass Bridge is on both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places because of the counterweight technology.
The Save the Historic Glimmer Glass Bridge group says that rehabilitating the bridge will be cheaper in the long run.
“It will cost another $6 million, according to our engineering reports that we commissioned, to complete the repair of the bridge and give it a new, long life,” says Jack Drew.
The group says that building a new bridge will cost about $20 million.


More from News 12
1:54
STORM WATCH: Risk of coastal flooding; rain and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning

STORM WATCH: Risk of coastal flooding; rain and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning

2:23
Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

1:15
Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

2:21
Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

0:53
Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

0:30
Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

0:41
US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

0:42
AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

0:32
'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

0:30
CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

1:43
Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

1:43
Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

0:36
Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

0:20
Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue