Route 72 Closures To Impact LBI Traffic All Summer Long, Police Say

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ — Work on the Route 72 bridge is expected to continue throughout the summer, Ship Bottom police said, causing traffic issues during the island's busiest months.

"We have been notified by the State that the construction for the Bridge Project will continue into the Summer," Ship Bottom police said.

Lane closures can be expected Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Long Beach Boulevard, Central Avenue and Barnegat Avenue, police said.

Police also said that those leaving the island should use caution as only one lane will be open.

"The Ship Bottom Police Department stressed multiple times, the impact of this decision," police said. "The continuation of the construction creates drastic increases in traffic, obstructs passage for pedestrians and bicyclists and delays the response of emergency vehicles."

While you may see local police directing traffic, this is a state project with their own officers, Ship Bottom police said.

"Unfortunately, we are a small Police Department and in the busiest months of the year. We cannot continuously assist with the traffic created by the State Project," police said.

Chief Jonathan Potter asked that if you have traffic complaints not to contact the department but instead to contact the Department of Transportation.

The contact for complaints is Christopher Yandoli, Christopher.Yandoli@dot.nj.gov or (609) 963-1982.