TOMS RIVER – A major Garden State Parkway improvement project aimed at easing congestion and reducing crashes in Ocean County will be presented during a public hearing on September 16.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is proposing upgrades along nearly six miles of the highway, from milepost 78.8 to 84.5. The project area stretches from Interchange 80 through Interchange 83 at Route 166, affecting Beachwood, South Toms River, Berkeley and Toms River.
Plans call for a new southbound entrance ramp and northbound exit ramp at Interchange 80, giving motorists full access between the Parkway and nearby roads.
The southbound exit at Interchange 81 would be moved, while new collector-distributor roads would be constructed in both directions to better manage vehicles entering and leaving the highway at interchanges 81, 82 and 82A.
Officials said the upgrades would address heavy traffic, high crash rates and other problems along the corridor. The project would also correct outdated roadway geometry, reduce hazardous merging and weaving patterns, and provide 12-foot travel lanes and shoulders.
Approximately 36 acres of forested property covered by the state’s No Net Loss Compensatory Reforestation Act would be affected. According to the Authority, planners have worked to limit the amount of wooded land disturbed. A plan outlining tree removal and replacement will be available for public review.
The hearing will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. September 16 at the Ocean County Library’s Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street. An open house will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation from Turnpike Authority representatives at 6:30 p.m.
Residents will be able to ask questions and submit verbal or written comments.
Comments related to Executive Order 172 will be accepted through October 1. Feedback concerning the reforestation plan may be submitted through November 15.
Written remarks may be emailed to HighwayDesign@njta.gov or mailed to Vincent Mignella, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, 1 Turnpike Plaza, P.O. Box 5042, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.
Plans and additional information are available at njta.gov/capital-projects/operational-improvements-between-mileposts-80-and-83/.
The project is in its final design stage, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
