TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has launched a major infrastructure project to widen Cross Street into a five-lane corridor, creating a new east-west connector to serve the growing populations of Lakewood, Jackson and Toms River.
With the area’s rapid residential and commercial development, especially in Lakewood and Jackson, county officials said the expansion is aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow across key townships. The project stems from a master plan developed by the Ocean County Engineering Department.
“The improvements and widening of Cross Street will, upon completion, provide a five-lane connector road between Lakewood and Jackson,” Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi said.
The route is expected to help link the activity hub in Lakewood with the expanding residential neighborhoods and business areas in Jackson.
County officials, along with representatives from the affected municipalities, gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony this week. The event was described as a symbolic show of intergovernmental cooperation to meet the region’s growing infrastructure demands.
Population growth prompts regional traffic solution
The corridor plan is part of a broader effort by Ocean County to respond to the rising traffic pressure from increasing development in Jackson, Lakewood, and nearby Manchester Township. Officials emphasized that the county is working to be “agile and inventive” in adapting to changing needs.
“The groundbreaking was symbolic of the cooperation from the county and municipal officials to address the needs of our growing community,” said Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi.
No construction timeline or project cost was announced at the ceremony. The county indicated additional phases may follow as part of continued infrastructure upgrades in the region.
