New Traffic Patterns Start On Route 72, LBI Road: NJDOT

SHIP BOTTOM, NJ — As of May 8, Long Beach Boulevard has opened to two-way traffic between 8th Street and 9th Street, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) said in a release. Additionally, Route 72 at Marsha Drive in Stafford has returned to its final configuration. Next week, Central Avenue will open to two-way traffic as well.

This is part of the Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridges project, which is nearing completion, according to the NJDOT.

Long Beach Boulevard

The new traffic signal at the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and 8th Street is scheduled to be fully operational after 8 a.m. May 8, allowing two-way traffic on Long Beach Boulevard between 8th Street and 9th Street. Currently, Long Beach Boulevard is one way going northbound between 8th Street and 9th Street. The new intersection will have the following configuration:

Long Beach Boulevard northbound will have three lanes:

• A dedicated left turn only lane onto 8th Street westbound. The traffic signal will include a left turn only phase
• A center lane that traffic may turn left or go straight
• A right lane that traffic may go straight or turn right onto 8th Street eastbound

• A dedicated right lane that becomes a ramp onto 8th Street westbound
• A center lane that traffic must go straight
• A left lane that traffic may go straight or turn left onto 8th Street eastbound

In addition, signal work will be taking place during the day May 8 on Route 72 near the Marsha Drive intersection in Stafford. By the end of the day, Route 72 will be shifted into its final configuration with the new auxiliary lanes opened, in addition to the two through lanes in each direction. Marsha Drive is expected to reopen in the next week or two.

Central Avenue

Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 Central Avenue is scheduled to be closed for signal work and restriping. Currently, Central Avenue is one-way southbound between 3rd Street and 11th Street and northbound traffic must turn right onto 11th Street. Once the striping is complete and the new traffic signal at 8th Street and Central Avenue is activated, Central Avenue will be opened to two-way traffic, which is expected to be complete by the end of the day, Tuesday.

Final paving in both Stafford and Ship Bottom is expected to be done overnight in June. NJDOT will provide advanced notification before any roadway changes are made.