Financial incentive to finish Route 52 bridge work early

An assessment earlier this month that showed better-than-expected progress on the Route 52 Causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point, N.J., meant the road wouldn’t have to close for work.

Three lanes are expected to be opened by Memorial Day weekend, but the repair crew now has incentive to work even faster.

For every day Route 52 Constructors opens the Ninth Street Bridge before June 24, it will receive a $25,000 bonus — up to $1 million if it opens by mid-May. The crew faces the same financial penalties if the opening is delayed, paying up to $2 million if it takes until September to finish the work, as the Press of Atlantic City reports.

Work on the whole route won’t be completed until December, 2012, but the area in question is well-trafficked by summer tourists.