[3] After being in continuous operation since the 1950s, replacement parts for the lighting system have become unavailable, rendering many of the fluorescent bulbs dark and irreplaceable.

The original, fluorescent "String of Pearls" lighting system is being replaced by a modern LED lighting system mimicking the "String of Pearls" effect on the north and south exterior faces of the rehabilitated and new bridge spans, respectively.

In time for Memorial Day weekend 2016, the new lighting system on the south exterior face of the new bridge was illuminated.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) had previously taken steps to address the fatigue cracking, including modifying bridge girders and beams with drill stops.

As the sole access point to/from Long Beach Island and a vital coastal evacuation route in the case of a hurricane, the rapidly deteriorating condition of the bridge was of serious concern.