TOMS RIVER, NJ – Drivers across Ocean County should expect widespread lane closures, detours, and shifting traffic patterns this week as county and utility crews carry out an extensive series of paving, drainage, and gas main projects.
The Ocean County Department of Engineering released its latest commuter update Monday, detailing more than two dozen active projects affecting major roadways in Toms River, Lakewood, Jackson, Brick, Lacey, and several shore towns.
This report relies on information provided by Ocean County: Read full report here. Please report any errors to Ocean County.
The work, primarily focused on milling, paving, and storm drain improvements, is expected to cause nighttime road closures and daytime lane shifts throughout the week, with several key intersections temporarily shut down for safety.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead, use alternate routes, and expect slower travel times through construction zones as the county continues its winter infrastructure upgrades.
Major projects impacting commuters
In Toms River Township, Hooper Avenue remains a focal point for lane closures near the Justice Complex Annex as part of ongoing construction and pedestrian skywalk upgrades. Route 166 between Old Freehold Road and Maple Tree Drive is also under repair for curb, sidewalk, and drainage improvements, resulting in shoulder closures.
Dayton Avenue between Hooper Avenue and Main Street is experiencing alternating traffic for milling and paving operations, while Old Freehold Road at Whitty Road and the Garden State Parkway is closed at night for drainage and signal installation. Whitesville Road from Route 70 to Sunset Avenue is reduced to alternating traffic overnight due to a gas main replacement.
Lakewood, Jackson, and Brick see significant work
In Lakewood Township, multiple roads are affected. East Kennedy Boulevard and Laurelwood Avenue are closed at night with daytime alternating traffic for milling and paving, while Squankum Road faces similar restrictions from East County Line Road to the Monmouth County line. Route 9 and James Street will close Friday night for gas main installation, and Cross Street between James Street and Prospect Street is fully closed for railroad crossing reconstruction.
Prospect Street — between both Route 9 and Massachusetts Avenue, and Massachusetts Avenue to Cross Street — remains restricted to shoulder closures for overhead utility work. Massachusetts Avenue from Prospect Street to Route 70 will see night and weekend closures for a gas main project.
In Jackson Township, New Central Avenue and East Veterans Highway are both closed overnight for milling, paving, and drainage installation, with daytime lane shifts continuing through the week. Cedar Swamp Road at Freehold and Jackson Mills Roads remains closed for a full roadway reconstruction and new traffic signal installation.
Brick Township is seeing nighttime closures along Princeton Avenue from Post Road to Beaver Dam Road for milling and paving.
Shore towns facing closures and drainage work
Beachwood Borough continues storm drain replacement along Beachwood Boulevard from Route 9 to Compass Avenue, with full closures in place. Additional paving on Beachwood Boulevard between Route 166 and Route 9 will also shut the road to through traffic. Bayside Avenue and Springfield Avenue in Beachwood and Pine Beach will close overnight for milling and paving, with daytime alternating traffic to follow.
Ocean Gate Borough is seeing multiple projects including drainage installation and paving along East Atlantic Avenue, East Long Branch Avenue, and East Lakewood Avenue, where lane shifts and shoulder closures are expected.
Mill Creek Road in Berkeley Township is undergoing curb and sidewalk installation with lane shifts, while Route 530 between Dover Road and Mule Road is restricted to alternating nighttime traffic for paving.
Island Heights drivers will encounter a full road closure on Simpson Avenue between River Avenue and Lake Avenue during milling and paving.
Countywide delays expected through early December
Additional work continues across Plumsted Township on Highbridge Road, Lakewood Road, and North Main Street, where milling, paving, and drainage projects are prompting nighttime closures and daytime lane shifts.
Volunteer Way in Ocean Township remains closed for paving near the Ocean County Fire Academy. In Manchester Township, Ridgeway Road at Beacon Street is seeing lane shifts for road widening and traffic signal installation.
The Ocean County Department of Engineering said all work schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Variable message signs and detour markings have been posted at all affected sites to assist motorists.
Ocean County commuters should anticipate heavy overnight roadwork and frequent lane closures this week as crews continue seasonal paving and drainage improvements across more than a dozen towns.