Overnight Route 72 Bridge Work To Start Up Again: NJDOT

SHIP BOTTOM, NJ — Expect overnight lane closures on the Route 72 bridge as the summer hiatus ends and work starts up again Friday night, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Beginning at 11 p.m. Sept. 15, the center and right lanes on Route 72 eastbound/9th Street will be closed between Shore Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard for drainage work, as well as concrete curb work and sidewalk installation, the NJDOT said

At least one lane will be maintained during construction and access to driveways will be maintained. This lane configuration is expected to be in place through spring 2024, according to the NJDOT. During planned weekend events, a second lane will be reopened. The NJDOT advises motorists to use caution, slow down and expect delays.

Work will resume at the Marsha Drive intersection in Stafford later this fall. NJDOT will provide more information prior the resumption of work.

This final construction contract is designed to improve safety and reduce congestion in Stafford at the Marsha Drive/Route 72 intersection and in Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island. In Stafford, Marsha Drive will be widened to provide double left turn lanes onto Route 72, and a third lane will be added on Route 72 in both directions near the intersection.

In Ship Bottom, approximately 3,000 feet of Route 72 (locally known as 8th and 9th Streets) and three cross roads (Barnegat Avenue, Central Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard) will be widened.

Two-way traffic will be restored along Central Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. Five traffic signals will be reconstructed, and a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of 8th Street and Long Beach Boulevard. In addition, a new storm drainage system and new outfalls will be installed in an effort to reduce frequent flooding along Route 72 and these intersections. For more information NJDOT developed a project-specific website.