Following weeks of closures and around-the-clock repairs, the New Jersey Department of Transportation says the Route 71 bridge over the Shark River will open to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians by early to mid-August.

Built in 1932, the bridge which connects Belmar to Avon-By-The-Sea, was closed to vehicular traffic on June 13 due to a mechanical failure on the south bridge leaf. Last year, a similar mechanical failure also caused the bridge to be shut down.

According to the NJDOT, crews have been working around the clock to repair concrete foundations and mechanical components. The work on the interim repairs to the bridge is expected to wrap up next month.

Since the closure, residents have had to navigate around the closure. The lack of access has also caused concerns for businesses on both sides of the Shark River.

"NJDOT understands the impact the bridge closure has on the local community and has been working with local officials on a solution to reopen the bridge during the summer season to minimize the disruption to businesses, residents and visitors," the NJDOT said in a release.

Until the repairs are complete, the bridge will remain closed to cars and pedestrians but will be locked in the open position to allow boats to cross the river, the NJDOT said.

"Under federal law, NJDOT is legally obligated to allow marine traffic to pass, as it has the right of way. Consequently, the bridge must remain in the open position to allow marine traffic to pass until emergency repairs are completed," the NJDOT said in a statement. "The north leaf will be lowered and raised periodically each day to maintain functionality and minimize stress to the components from keeping the leaf in the upright position."

Permanent repairs will begin in the fall, once NJDOT crews have obtained the parts needed for the work, which are still being manufactured. The bridge will close again for approximately two months while the work is being done. The NJDOT will resume free shuttle service at that time for pedestrians looking to cross the Shark River via the detour while.