Construction closes one Route 35 northbound lane in Ortley Beach, Lavallette

A roadway construction project on Route 35 between Ortley Beach and Lavallette began today and will continue through the spring, a state Department of Transportation official said.

The construction is within the northbound lanes of Route 35, resulting in the closure of the left lane from 6th Avenue in Ortley Beach to Ortley Avenue in Lavallette, NJDOT Communication Director Steve Schapiro said. 

According to an advisory from the agency, crews will shift traffic to the right side of the road, where crews will maintain one travel lane and a five-foot shoulder. Parking will be available on side streets and along the left side of Route 35 where construction is not occurring, while parking on the right side of the roadway will not be permitted until further notice. 

The work, which includes the installation of two water main lines, drainage pipes, and the reconstruction of a portion of the road, is expected to continue through the spring.

“It is being done during the off-season to minimize disruption to businesses and residents as best as possible,” Schapiro said in an email. 

The state began designing the reconstruction of Route 35 about ten years ago in order to address pavement distress and corridor-wide flooding issues, but severe impacts inflicted by Superstorm Sandy on the barrier island thoroughfare shifted focus to an full roadway reconstruction.

The project stretches along the corridor from Bay Head to South Seaside Park.