Free shuttle gives pedestrians a lift through bridge construction zone

Individuals who travel to and from Long Beach Island by either walking or riding a bicycle over the Causeway Bridge can hitch a ride on a free shuttle when the north sidewalk on the east and west thorofare bridges closes for demolition and reconstruction early this month. To accommodate employees working on the Island, the bus will run from Manahawkin Plaza with stops at Cedar Bonnet and the waterfront park at 10th Street in Ship Bottom, and then return to Stafford Township with stops at The Dutchman’s restaurant and on East Bay Avenue at Manahawkin Plaza.

“NJDOT has worked closely with residents and local officials to create a shuttle schedule that will accommodate the needs of those utilizing the bridge,” said Kevin Israel, public information officer at the New Jersey Department of Transportation. “This is not for recreational use,” he stressed.

The service will end once the new pedestrian and bike access is completed and opened for use, which will occur sometime this winter.

Schiavone Construction Co. crewmembers began to shift traffic to the south side of the bridge in early October. The new traffic pattern includes a single lane in each direction between the two thorofare bridges. The configuration will remain until the spring.

The shuttle, which costs $1,200 a day, is being funded as part of the $350 million Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridges project. It will be operated by Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Manahawkin to LBI Shuttle Schedule

Manahawkin Plaza	Cedar  Bonnet*	Waterfront Park	Dutchman’s Brauhaus	Manahawkin Plaza
5:00 AM	5:05	5:10	5:20	5:35
6:00	6:05	6:10	6:20	6:35
7:00	7:05	7:10	7:20	7:35
8:00	8:05	8:10	8:20	8:35
9:00	9:05	9:10	9:20	9:35
This trip is available on Saturday & Sunday
11:00	11:05	11:10	11:20	11:35
12:00PM	12:05	12:10	12:20	12:35
1:00	1:05	1:10	1:20	1:35
2:00	2:05	2:10	2:20	2:35
3:00	3:05	3:10	3:20	3:35
6:00	6:05	6:10	6:20	6:35
7:00	7:05	7:10	7:20	7:35
8:00	8:05	8:10	8:20	8:35
9:00	9:05	9:10	9:20	9:35
10:00	10:05	10:10	10:20	10:35
11:00	11:05	11:10	11:20	11:35
12:00 AM	12:05	12:10	12:20	12:35
1:00	1:05	1:10	1:20	1:35
*Bus stop on Cedar Bonnet is at Schiavone’s construction office