The countdown to the unofficial start of the summer season is on for most of the state as winter hung on a little longer than most would have liked. On Long Beach Island, it’s already arrived with the lowering of speed limits and the dreaded turning on of traffic signals up and down Long Beach Boulevard.
Speed limits, in most if not all six Island communities, were lowered as of May 15. In Ship Bottom and Surf City, the speed limit on Long Beach Boulevard is now 30 mph. Also in Surf City, the speed limit on Central Avenue was decreased to 35 mph. The speed limit in Long Beach Township was dropped from 45 mph to 35 mph on Long Beach Boulevard.
A reminder for all motorists: The speed limit on Barnegat Avenue in Ship Bottom is always 25 mph, which is also the speed limit on Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach Township. For those times when you’re not driving the car: Bicyclists must ride with traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals. When there are no sidewalks, pedestrians must walk facing traffic.
The yellow flashing traffic signals on the entire 18-mile length of the Boulevard will go from blinking to fully functioning on Monday, May 21.—G.G.S. The Sandpaper