Route 72 Bridge shuttle service resumes this week

Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to cross the Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge when the shuttle service resumes this week, officials from the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced June 27. During construction of the $350 million bridges project, the sidewalk that links the mainland to Long Beach Island will be closed to individuals wanting to bike or walk across the bridge.

To accommodate those wishing to go to LBI, the free shuttle bus will run from Morris Boulevard in Manahawkin with a stop in the eastbound direction at Third Street in Ship Bottom. The shuttle will then return in the westbound direction, stopping at the Dutchman’s Brauhaus restaurant on Cedar Bonnet Island and East Bay Avenue directly after the bridge crossing.

This temporary alternative will operate seven days a week while the sidewalk is closed, officials said.

The shuttle service, operated by the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association, was initially provided to pedestrians and bicyclists in November while the north sidewalk on the east and west thorofare bridges was closed for demolition and reconstruction. The service was canceled in February due to a decrease in ridership.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.