Trouble on the bridge (to LBI), Captain

Drivers heading to Long Beach Island are likely to find some jockeying for position on the Manahawkin Bay Bridge, where a hole in the deck has forced a temporary lane closure.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) reports that a section of the eastbound right lane is closed just ahead of Cedar Bonnet Island, about three-quarters of a mile from LBI.

Work is expected to continue through this evening's rush hour, with wrapup anticipated by about midnight.

For what it's worth, message signs are in place on Route 72 to warn you about what you'll encounter up ahead. You can also visit the NJDOT traffic information site for real-time travel data.

Meanwhile, construction continues on a companion to the Manahawkin Causeway Bridge, with scheduled completion in 2020. Each of the twin bridges will carry traffic one way on, and off, the island.