A “total failure” of a drive shaft motor led Cape May N.J. officials to leave the Middle Thorofare drawbridge locked open, ensuring continued vessel access to the nation’s 6^th-most valuable fishing port.

The bridge in Lower Township carries a two-lane road between Cape May and Wildwood Crest over the Intracoastal Waterway. At 10 a.m. Saturday Aug. 18 the motor used to open the bridge failed, according to a summary from the Cape May Bridge Commission.

 “The bridge electrical engineers performed many tests, concluding that the motor was inoperable and irreparable,” according to the agency. “The Bridge Commission is currently reviewing all options available both nationally and globally to source this highly specialized motor with the goal of replacement as soon as possible, with the best-case scenario is it taking many weeks.”

“The Middle Thorofare Bridge will remain in the up position as vessels have the right of way, the commercial fishing industry needs ocean and dock access.”

“Losing access to the Port through this waterway would have been devastating for Cape May’s fishermen and the economy of the whole County,” said Wayne Reichle, president of Lund’s Fisheries based in Cape May. “The Port would have lost millions of dollars in landings as we would have been forced to divert our vessels elsewhere.”

“We are grateful to the Bridge Commission and all Cape May County officials who made the decision to prioritize keeping the waterway accessible for vessels, ensuring that the Port remains open and active while the bridge undergoes the needed repairs.”

Cape May/Wildwood is the largest commercial fishing port in New Jersey, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2020 Fisheries of the United States report, the 6^th most valuable port in the nation with 104 million pounds of seafood worth an estimated $93 million. Scallops, squid and several finfish species are among the top species.

It’s a thriving recreational port as well, with party and charter fishing vessels, whale watching and other maritime services for Cape May County’s tourism economy.