In October 1991, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) recommended the replacement of the Highlands drawbridge with a 55-foot fixed-span bridge.

Between 2008 and 2011, the new fixed-span bridge was constructed to replace the aging drawbridge, which was partially demolished on the southbound side as a result.

[2][3] The new bridge is 75 ft tall (23 m) and consists of two individual 1,610-foot-long spans (490 m) resting on nine hollow precast concrete columns.

In October 2012, the bridge became a life saver for the remaining residents of Sea Bright as the historic storm surge pushed ashore during Superstorm Sandy.

It was reported that members of the Sea Bright Fire, Police and First Aids abandoned the town and stationed themselves on the highest remaining points in the area.