One lane on Route 166 in South Toms River
closed immediately for emergency bridge deck repairs

Deck deterioration poses risk to motoring public

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the immediate closure of one lane of the Route 166 northbound Bridge in South Toms River for emergency deck repairs.

A routine biennial inspection found deterioration on the underside of the bridge deck has increased at an alarming rate with concrete falling into the river, prompting the need for immediate repairs. The bridge carries two lanes of traffic over the south fork of the Toms River. 

The right lane will be closed immediately with full depth emergency deck work beginning tonight. Once the repairs are made to the right lane, the left lane will be closed for repairs. At least one lane will be maintained at all times. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, February 6.

The bridge is on the Department’s “structurally deficient” list and a project to replace the bridge is currently in concept development, but construction is still several years away.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.  Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.