The bridge connecting Sea Isle City and Avalon will not be opening in time for Memorial Day weekend, despite what was announced less than a week ago.

Sea Isle City officials said last week the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge would be open by May 22, the target date for the project’s completion.

However, the city says the Cape May County Engineer’s Office told Sea Isle City the project would not be ready before Memorial Day due to a “geotechnical” issue.

"Unforeseen conditions were encountered that require remedial action,” causing the reopening of the bridge to be delayed, the city said in a statement.

The city added that the project team is creating a new reopening schedule that is going to be released next week.

Since September, the $8.6 million bridge project has forced the bridge to be closed, meaning vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists have had to find other ways to travel between the two shore towns.

Sea Isle City also stated it expects the county to issue a formal release about the project at a later date.

Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips