The New Jersey State Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin a key new phase of road improvement work along Route 9 in Lakewood, NJ this evening, April 28th.
The current area of focus, as part of the ongoing “Indian Head Project,” will be on and around Route 9 between Route 88 and 3rd Street, in both directions. Road closures and detours in that area are expected to begin Monday evening through early morning hours. These closures will continue on a nightly basis for the duration of this project, currently estimated to last approximately six months.
This phase of improvement work will focus on improving water drainage, as well as adding a variety of lane enhancements to speed up traffic flow on that busy stretch of road.
Additionally, the State is scheduled to begin, in the near future, improvement work on Route 9 between John and Pine Streets, with southbound traffic detoured via Martin Luther King Boulevard. (The Northbound lane in this area is expected to remain open.)
South Lakewood residents will also welcome the installation of new traffic signals within two months at the intersections of Route 9 and Oak Street, and Route 9 and Broadway. Extensive infrastructure work to prepare these intersections for the signals has already been completed.
Lakewood Township officials are working closely with the State (which has jurisdiction over Route 9) to ensure that road improvement work will proceed efficiently, while minimizing inconvenience to Lakewood motorists, and properly informing residents of their plans.
While the State initially planned to close all lanes of Route 9, in both directions (between Route 88 and 3rd Street), during improvement work, the Township requested that they modify the plans, as it would have posed a major inconvenience to Lakewood residents. The State agreed to leave a minimum of one lane open in each direction at all times.
Additionally, Township officials are working with the State to avoid closures, as much as feasible, on Lag Ba’omer (Thursday, May 15th) and during the busy shopping days ahead of the Shavuos holiday. Similarly, Township officials are working with the State to schedule some of the most intense road work during the Bain Hazmanim/Summer vacation season, when fewer vehicles are on the roads.
“Route 9 traffic has for long been a major challenge for Lakewood residents and businesses,” says Mayor Ray Coles, “and we are grateful that the State is taking real action on this matter, while working with us to minimize traffic disruptions during this period. Although Route 9’s traffic issues won’t be fully solved, we anticipate that residents will see a substantial improvement once this project is completed.”
“The State recognizes the importance that improving Route 9 has for Lakewood’s safety and quality-of-life,” says Assemblyman Avi Schnall, who represents Lakewood in Trenton. “Thankfully, this longtime priority is now a reality on the ground and we will continue working to ensure that Lakewood’s needs are optimally met.”
{Matzav.com}