The state is in the process of building a new one while keeping the old one in operation. But that arrangement may change.
At $400 million, the Route 52 Causeway project between Ocean City and Somers Point is one of New Jersey Department of Transportation's most ambitious jobs.
Commonly called the 9th Street Bridge, Ocean City Council has passed a resolution urging the state to close the existing roadway to traffic for several months to expedite construction before the summer.
"The anticipated goal was to was to, by the end of April or mid May, have it back open to at least one lane each way, and hopefully two lanes going in and two lanes going out during busier times," said Michael Allegretto, Ocean City Council President.
The Somers Point Council has also approved a resolution to close the bridge until mid April, but with a few stipulations. Officials want tolls suspended on the Ocean City Longport Bridge, and they want improved signs to help motorist through the detours.
The contractor has offered to pick up the tab for the tolls on the span with state approval.
Ocean City's 34th Street Bridge will remain open. Many business owners believe the closing would hurt revenue, but agree the job has to get done.
"Initially it's going to hurt. Right now, I believe the contractors have us over the barrel," said Doug Wing from Readey's Coffee Shop.
One of the reasons for closing the bridge is that traffic has to be stopped for several minutes because of the construction.
"I don't believe that it would be as inconvenient as it is now when they have stoppages and they hold you up and you don't know about it, and you could sit out there for 20 or 25 minutes, 30 minutes," said Jean Millerglenn.
The second and final phase of the project will cost $251 million. It is set to finish in 2012. Closing the 9th Street Bridge will certainly be an inconvenience, but it is hoped that it will all be worth it come summer.
