Route 52 Lane Closures Begin Monday Between Ocean City and Somers Point, Expected to Continue Through December 11

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Motorists traveling between Ocean City and Somers Point should prepare for several weeks of traffic delays beginning Monday, November 9, as the New Jersey Department of Transportation begins lane closures on the Route 52 causeway for a $2.9 million lighting rehabilitation project.

The work will affect both directions of the Route 52/Stainton Memorial Causeway, a major transportation link connecting Cape May and Atlantic counties.

According to NJDOT, single-lane closures are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning November 9 and continuing through Friday, December 11.

The closures will take place between mileposts 0.0 and 2.0, covering approximately two miles of the causeway.

Initially, crews are expected to close the right lane of northbound Route 52, heading toward Somers Point, and the left lane of southbound Route 52, heading toward Ocean City.

At least one travel lane will remain open in each direction throughout the construction period.

NJDOT is advising drivers to reduce their speed, exercise caution and anticipate delays while traveling through the work zone.

$2.9 Million Lighting Improvement Project

The lane restrictions are necessary to allow crews to perform electrical work as part of the state-funded Route 52 Causeway Accent Lighting Rehabilitation project.

The $2.9 million project is designed to improve lighting and related electrical infrastructure along the causeway, which crosses Great Egg Harbor Bay between Ocean City and Somers Point.

The improvements are intended to rehabilitate the causeway's lighting system and associated infrastructure.

The work comes as Ocean City continues several other infrastructure projects, including roadway and utility improvements.

In his November 6 update to residents, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian warned that the causeway work could complicate travel because another major entrance to the city is already experiencing restrictions.

"I want people to be aware of this, because Roosevelt Boulevard is also down to one inbound lane," Gillian said.

The mayor also indicated that the causeway lighting repairs are expected to be completed before Christmas.

No Lane Closures During Thanksgiving Week

Drivers will receive a temporary break from the construction restrictions during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

NJDOT announced that lane closures will be suspended from Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 27.

During that period, two lanes of traffic will be maintained in both directions to accommodate holiday travelers.

The weekday lane closures are scheduled to resume Monday, November 30, and continue through December 11.

Drivers Urged to Plan Ahead

Route 52 serves as a primary connection between Ocean City and Somers Point, carrying residents, commuters, visitors and commercial traffic between the two communities.

The construction could create additional congestion during weekday travel periods, particularly for motorists entering or leaving Ocean City.

Drivers may want to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes when delays develop.

NJDOT cautioned that the construction schedule remains subject to change because of weather conditions or other factors affecting the work.

Motorists can obtain real-time traffic information through the state's 511NJ traffic information service at 511nj.org.

The project is scheduled to continue through December 11, with normal traffic patterns expected to return as the rehabilitation work is completed.