To the relief of Long Beach Island and its extended community, full access eastbound on Route 72 was fully restored earlier than anticipated May 19 following a week of around-the-clock double lane closures on the sole access road to the barrier island.

N.J. Department of Transportation officials expected two lanes of traffic on Route 72 East, known locally as Ninth Street, to open by 3:30 p.m. May 19 unless completed earlier.