Long Beach Island residents - except those from Holgate - returned to their homes Saturday morning, beginning at 6 a.m.
During a Friday afternoon news conference in Seaside Heights on Friday, Governor Christie announced that the Route 72 causeway bridge will be open.
Christie said the state will allow residents controlled access to assess damage, retrieve belongings and permit repopulation of the island for residents whose homes are safe and habitable.
Here is a short photo tour before Saturday's reopening.
People should procede with caution as there is still a lot of work going on and dangerous conditions in many areas.