New traffic patterns at Manahawkin Bay Bridge project start Monday
The next phase of reconstruction at the Manahawkin Bay Bridge begins October 12, and with it comes a new traffic pattern that stays in place through Spring 2016.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today disclosed that traffic will flow single-file on the south side of the thorofare bridges. Schiavone Construction crews will begin demolishing and rebuilding the north side of the spans.
Pedestrians accustomed to using the walkway on the north side will find it temporarily off-limits. NJDOT is providing shuttle service in coordination with Greater Mercer Transportation Management.
The $350 million project, in progress since 2013, will result in twin side-by-side bridges where one currently stands, each carrying traffic in one direction. When the new bridge is completed, scheduled in 2016, the Bay Bridge will be closed for renovations. Once done, the rehabbed Bay Bridge will carry traffic from Long Beach Island to the mainland.
All work is scheduled for completion in 2020. State transportation officials keep a detailed overview on the department web page. You can see it here.