By February 1964, the State Highway Department switched its plan to a vertical lift bridge. This new bridge would be able to open to as high as in the air and allow room for yachts to go through. The delay in action by the Highway Department was being slammed by the borough of Point Pleasant by December 1964. Dr. Ronald V. Crescenzo, one of the members of the borough council wanted a bus ban over the replaced structure until a new one could be built. The borough also wanted to be absolved of any responsibility and liability in case of another structural failure. They did, however, support a new vertical lift bridge with the high lift that could raise to in the air.