NJDOT to reconfigure Route 35 and Sea Girt Avenue intersection in Wall

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced that traffic shifts are planned in connection with a project to widen and improve the Route 35 intersection with Sea Girt Avenue in Wall Township, Monmouth County.

“By reconfiguring this intersection NJDOT will reduce the high volume of congestion experienced by Route 35 motorists in the vicinity of the Manasquan Circle,” said Commissioner James Simpson. “This is a cost-effective solution that will improve mobility for Monmouth County residents and summer tourists alike.”

NJDOT’s contractor, Orchard Holding LLC, began utility pole relocation work along Route 35 northbound in early-October. This initial stage of construction is requiring some shoulder closures in either direction of the roadway during daytime hours.

On or about November 1, NJDOT will shift all Route 35 traffic to the west in order to establish a permanent work zone along the eastern portion (northbound side) of the highway. Some temporary single lane closures may be necessary to establish the new traffic pattern, after which one lane of Route 35 will be maintained in each direction at all times.

The $1.1 million project aims to improve safety and reduce congestion at the signalized intersection of Route 35 and Sea Girt Avenue. This is one of the most congested intersections within the entire Route 35 corridor.

NJDOT will widen the cross section of Route 35 to four lanes from Meeting House Road to just north of Laurel Avenue. The newly configured intersection will consist of one 15’ wide southbound lane, one 12’ opposing exclusive left turn lane, and two northbound lanes. All widening will be done to the east of the highway.

Providing two northbound lanes will help reduce the frequency of traffic queues extending south into the Manasquan Circle. NJDOT will also resurface Route 35 within the project limits, from the Manasquan Circle south to approximately just north of Laurel Avenue. Numerous access adjustments and modifications will be made as well, to improve safety throughout the corridor. The project is anticipated to be completed next June 2011.

An average of 22,000 vehicles travel this stretch of Route 35 on a daily basis, but in the summer months the traffic volumes are considerably higher. Route 35 currently carries one lane of traffic in each direction within the project limits.

Variable message signs have been installed to inform motorists regarding any changes in traffic patterns. Motorists are also encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.