OCEAN COUNTY – Berkeley and Lacey townships are now connected at Barnegat Branch Trail over the Cedar Creek. The county announced a 150-foot prefabricated weathered steel trestle was set into place recently.
“The placement of this new trestle above some of the pilings of the original trestle is the most significant work done to date to move this trail forward,” Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation, said. “I look forward to the completion of this section of trail. I am sure it will be well-used by residents and visitors alike.”
That portion of the trail by Dudley Park is closed to the public because of ongoing construction. Guests can park at Serpentine Boulevard. The trail is accessible up the barricades.
Vandals have already visited their destruction on the construction area, Haines noted. She has asked the Sheriff’s Department to provide additional patrols to the area.
There’s still work to be done on the Lacey side. A 10-foot-wide stone dust trail and the creation of a formal parking lot at Hebrew Park must be completed. “We anticipate the majority of this work will be completed prior to the summer but a firm opening date has not been determined,” Haines said. “When completed this section will offer residents and visitors better access to Cedar Creek – an environmental jewel in the County.”
