Thomas A. Mathis and J. Stanley Tunney Bridges

Thomas A. Mathis and J. Stanley Tunney Bridges are two parallel structures that cross Barnegat Bay between Toms River and Pelican Island. Together they form a modern dual-bridge system carrying traffic in both directions between the mainland and coastal communities.

The Mathis Bridge opened in 1950, replacing an older wooden structure that had crossed the bay. The Tunney Bridge was added in 1972 to double the crossing capacity for growing traffic.

The bridges are named after local figures important to the region's development. They shape the landscape and enable daily movement between mainland communities and coastal towns.

Both bridges have multiple lanes in each direction, allowing steady traffic flow across the bay. The structures are accessible at all times and provide a direct route between mainland communities and the shore areas.

The Mathis Bridge features a bascule mechanism that opens to allow ships to pass through. The Tunney Bridge uses a high-level design that lets vessels pass underneath without any opening needed.