Officials to suspend most of Route 35 construction for summer season

The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced today the suspension of construction along most of Route 35 — the barrier island route between Bay Head and Island Beach State Park — for the summer tourism season.

There will be full travel lanes along ten miles of the 12.5-mile construction zone, which in addition to improving traffic flow for motorists, ensures mobility for first responders and maintains public safety as the roadway is a primary evacuation route, state officials said.

“Route 35 is the main artery along the Barnegat Peninsula connecting many Jersey Shore destinations,” NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson said. “We are working in partnership with our contractors, local officials, and businesses to ease congestion and limit the impact to residents and businesses during the summer, while advancing the project on an aggressive schedule to restore the shore as quickly as possible.”

In Bay Head and Mantoloking, there will be no construction on Route 35 or side streets, according to state officials. In South Seaside Park, Seaside Park, and Seaside Heights, crews will cease working on Route 35, but construction on side streets will continue. And in Brick and Toms River, at least one lane of Route 35 will be open, while construction will continue on a 2.5-mile stretch of the highway.

The $265 million project, stretching from Bay Head to Berkeley Township, is divided into three geographical sections, with one general contractor hired for each zone. In addition to the complete reconstruction of the highway and its storm water management system, work is ongoing on side streets between the highway and Barnegat Bay where crews are installing underground drainage pipes, outfalls, and pump stations.

For specific construction suspension dates in each section, click here and scroll down.