Upcoming construction on a new bridge to Smith Point County Park and weight restrictions placed on the existing decades-old span have prompted Suffolk officials to shut down the oceanfront Shirley park after 7 p.m.

The Smith Point Bridge, built in 1959, was found to have "structural deterioration," after a state inspection, Suffolk County officials announced Sunday.

Smith Point will close at 7 p.m. daily, county spokesman Michael Martino said Tuesday in an email.

Closing the park at night "is due to the situation with the bridge," Martino said. He did not elaborate.

A Facebook post from the county Parks Department said the new closing time took effect immediately.

"The park will be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. 7 days a week until further notice," the post states. "All visitors will need

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