Public safety has won out as the final phase of the Causeway project in Ship Bottom begins its summer hiatus, no later than July 24. The decision was made after a tense summer in which Island officials, businesses, first responders and the public made their concerns about safety known in Trenton.

The N.J. Department of Transportation made the announcement on Thursday afternoon, the same day an order to show cause was expected to be filed on behalf of Long Beach Township.