The general public is once again being allowed to drive onto Jersey Barrier Island hard hit by Sandy. The Mantoloking Bridge and Rt. 35 are open for the first time since the storm.

Life is slowly getting back to normal on the barrier island. It has been under a state of emergency since Sandy. In addition to being able to travel to the island, residents of the island will finally be allowed to live full time in their homes. Brick Township Mayor Stephen Acropolis says this is a benchmark in the rebuilding process.

“This is just the first step in opening up the barrier island, so there won’t be anymore checkpoints to go through, there won’t be any more National Guard or brick police checkpoints to go through but there will be a very very big police presence on the barrier island.”

Though the island will be open to traffic there will be a dusk to dawn curfew for pedestrians.