Heading To The Shore? Then Stop By The Route 72 Causeway Public Meeting Tonight In Manahawkin

Here is a great opportunity to advance the cause for complete streets. If you live in Southern Ocean County or if you are getting a head start on the Memorial Day weekend then stop by the Stafford Township Municipal Building (map) this afternoon between 4 and 7PM to review and comment on the expansion and rehabilitation of the Route 72 Causeway to Long Beach Island.

NJ DOT will begin construction of 3 new bridges over Manahawkin Bay later this year. Once that bridge is complete in 2016 the existing causeway will be rehabilitated and it is planned to include the installation of a protected 6 foot wide walkway. When the project is completed in 2019 DOT will stripe each roadway with 5-6 foot shoulders and opening of the walkway on the westbound causeway.

Complete Streets advocates are campaigning for a better way for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the bay - Replacing the proposed 6 foot sidewalk with a 10-12 foot wide shared use path.

Complete Street Success - Route 52 Causeway in Ocean City

Its important to remember that while construction begins shortly, the proposed walkway is on the existing structure and therefore there is plenty to time to design a reconfiguration of the protected walkway.

NJDOT has indicated that a weekday bike ped shuttle may be available during construction. Comments should reflect support and consider expanding the shuttle service to summer weekends. Incredibly Long Beach Island has no daily public transportation.

Complete Streets aspiration for the westbound causeway in 2019