Toms River, NJ – Motorists across Ocean County could soon see changes at several busy intersections as the Ocean County Board of Commissioners prepares to consider eight traffic safety improvement resolutions during its July 8 meeting.
The proposed projects target heavily traveled county roads in Jackson Township, Lakewood, Toms River and Manchester Township.
The resolutions authorize engineering changes intended to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and modernize traffic signal operations.
No-passing zone proposed in Toms River
Commissioners will consider establishing new no-passing zones along County Road 14 (Church Road/Kettle Creek Road) in Toms River.
No-passing zones are typically installed after engineering studies determine limited sight distances or roadway conditions create unsafe passing opportunities.
Multiple signal revisions planned in Jackson
Three separate intersections in Jackson Township are scheduled for traffic signal improvements.
The proposals include:
- Revising the traffic signal at South New Prospect Road (County Road 12), Brewers Bridge Road and Bethel Church Road.
- Revising the traffic signal at Hyson Road (County Road 12) and Harmony Road (County Road 18).
- Revising the traffic signal flasher at Leesville Road (County Road 34) and Freehold Road (County Road 40/Route 638).
The intersections are among the county-maintained roadways that experience significant commuter traffic throughout the day.
Lakewood intersections slated for upgrades
Commissioners are also expected to consider two traffic improvements in Lakewood Township.
One proposal would revise the traffic signal at the intersection of Ridge Avenue (County Road 24/Route 623) and New Hampshire Avenue (County Road 93/Route 623).
A second resolution would authorize installation of a new traffic signal at New Hampshire Avenue and Boulevard of the Americas, an area that has experienced continued commercial and residential growth.
Manchester flasher revision included
Another proposal would revise the traffic signal flasher at the intersection of Route 530 (Pinewald-Keswick Road), Pine Ridge Boulevard and Fox Street in Manchester Township.
Traffic engineers periodically evaluate flashing signals to determine whether changes are needed based on traffic volumes, crash history or roadway conditions.
Hooper Avenue signal changes proposed
Commissioners will also consider revising the traffic signal at the intersection of Hooper Avenue (County Road 11/Route 549) and South Shore Drive in Toms River.
The intersection serves as a major access point for residents traveling between downtown Toms River and neighborhoods along the northern section of the township.
If approved, the resolutions authorize the county to implement the recommended traffic control modifications.
The agenda does not specify when construction or signal programming changes would begin.
Key Points
- Ocean County commissioners will consider eight traffic safety improvement resolutions during Wednesday’s meeting.
- Proposed projects include signal upgrades in Jackson, Lakewood, Manchester and Toms River, along with a new no-passing zone on Church Road/Kettle Creek Road.
- A new traffic signal is proposed for New Hampshire Avenue and Boulevard of the Americas in Lakewood.
