Thousands of drivers are making their way to the Jersey Shore for Memorial Day weekend, but some were held up near Seaside Park by a lengthy construction project.

The state had said construction on the Barrier Island's Route 35 would halt before the holiday weekend. There is only one lane open in each direction with a detour that takes cars through Berkeley Township to get to Island Beach State Park.

Business owners on the south side of Route 35 say they are thrilled that their side of the highway is open again.

Shops and restaurants on the northbound side say they needed this holiday to help recover from business slowed by the construction zone all winter. Work on the northbound side won't be completed until next week.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation says that major highway construction will be completed by June.