SHIP BOTTOM – The Route 72 roadwork will return this weekend, now that most of the tourists are off the island, the New Jersey Department of Transportation stated.
Starting 11 p.m. on Friday, September 15, the center and right lanes on Route 72 eastbound/9th Street will be closed between Shore Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. At least one lane will remain open to the mainland during construction and driveways will be accessible.
This is expected to last through spring of 2024.
During planned weekend events, a second lane will be opened. The DOT will be doing drainage, curbs, and sidewalk installation.
This is part of a long-term project.
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, the DOT said. 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. New storm drainage and new outfalls will be also be installed.
The Marsha Drive intersection will continue to have more work done this fall. More information will be provided closer to the start of the project. It will eventually 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.
