TOMS RIVER, N.J. — All lanes on Route 37 in Toms River are back open after a large sinkhole forced emergency repairs near the intersection of Oak Ridge Parkway on Friday, officials said.
The sinkhole, which spanned two lanes of the heavily trafficked roadway, was caused by a ruptured stormwater pipe beneath the pavement, according to crews working at the scene.
Emergency construction teams responded quickly, paving over the affected area and restoring traffic flow later the same day. No vehicles were damaged as a result of the sinkhole, officials confirmed.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation, which is responsible for Route 37’s maintenance, has not issued a statement regarding the incident or whether further inspections are planned.
The repairs helped prevent further disruption on a major corridor frequently used by commuters and beachgoers traveling through Ocean County.
A busted stormwater pipe triggered a major sinkhole several years ago in the same spot. It is not known if the cause of the latest sinkhole is connected.