NJDOT announces Route 52 Causeway traffic shift

Motorists will use newly constructed Elbow Channel Bridge

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced the upcoming traffic shift of eastbound Route 52 traffic connecting Somers Point Borough and Ocean City.

“Shifting traffic onto the newly constructed Elbow Channel Bridge is a significant milestone on the Route 52 Causeway replacement project,” said Kolluri. “Motorists will now use 1.2 miles of the new Route 52 Causeway.”

Beginning Monday, April 28, NJDOT will shift traffic to the newly constructed Elbow Channel Bridge. Route 52 will shift into its permanent traffic configuration, featuring two lanes in each direction starting at approximately mile marker 1.7, on Elbow Island, and continuing onto the previously opened new alignment over Rainbow Island and the Rainbow Channel Bridge.

One lane of northbound traffic will be placed on the new alignment first and one lane of southbound traffic will remain on the old alignment while paving and striping work is completed. Upon completion of that work, all traffic will be shifted to the new alignment. Minimal delays are anticipated during the traffic shift. The new traffic pattern is anticipated to be complete and in effect by Friday, May 2.

The initial, $183 million phase of the Route 52 Causeway replacement project includes the replacement of 1.2 miles of the interior portion of the 73-year-old Route 52 causeway from Elbow Island to Garrett’s Island. The old causeway will be demolished to make way for the new southbound roadway, which will be completed by fall 2009.

Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully to protect themselves and workers in the construction zone. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.njcommuter.com.