The Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridges Project involves the construction of a new structure  parallel to, and south, of the existing Manahawkin Bay Bridge; rehabilitation of the existing Manahawkin Bay Bridge; and the rehabilitation of three trestle bridges over Hilliards Thorofare, East Thorofare, and West Thorofare.

Other planned improvements include:

• A six-foot sidewalk on the westbound (north) side of Route 72, with connections to communities and points of interest on the south side of the roadway;
• Bicycle accommodations, including wider outside shoulders on the twin Manahawkin Bay Bridges and six-foot bike lanes on the trestle bridges;
• Improvements to the intersection of Route 72 and Marsha Drive in Stafford Township to alleviate seasonal traffic delays; and
• Intersection improvements in Ship Bottom, designed to improve traffic flow for both north/south traffic on Long Beach Island and along 8th and 9th Streets, and drainage improvements to improve access during heavy rainfalls and high tides.

I hope the ‘pearl lights‘ make a comeback on the new bridge
~UPDATE JULY 29, 2015- The lights will return!~

Update 10/9/2016 here