Newly reconfigured Route 35 intersection
with Route 36 opened in Eatontown

The project has realigned and widened the existing intersection to improve operational performance, reduce congestion and enhance safety. The previous intersection configuration had become out-dated and could no longer adequately handle the volume of traffic on the two highways, particularly during summer months. Route 36 is a major summer tourist route toward the beaches of Long Branch and Sandy Hook and Monmouth Mall is located directly to the southwest of the intersection.

NJDOT’s contractor, Joseph DeFino Trucking Company, began construction operations at the intersection in April 2010. Specific improvements provided at the intersection include:

• The realignment of all Route 35 travel lanes to the west, creating a straighter, more perpendicular intersection.
• New dual left-turn lanes along Route 35 southbound to replace the existing loop ramp in the southwest quadrant of the intersection.
• A deceleration lane along Route 35 northbound leading to a new ramp and acceleration lane, allowing a free-flow connection to Route 36 eastbound
• A new loop-ramp connecting Route 36 eastbound to Route 35 northbound – this movement previously did not exist at the intersection.
• Extension of the existing left-most (third) lane on Route 36 eastbound, which previously ended approximately 800 feet east of the intersection causing unsafe conditions and bottleneck traffic.
• Reconstruction of the existing traffic signal to accommodate the new lane configuration at the intersection.
• Upgrades provided to the traffic signals at the Route 35/Monmouth Mall entrance intersection and the Route 36/NJ Motor Vehicle Commission facility intersection.
• New sidewalks and cross walks provided and access modifications made to commercial property driveways throughout the intersection.

The project addresses concerns expressed by Eatontown Borough and Monmouth County officials and satisfies the project goals of alleviating congestion and enhancing safety.