Berkeley Township Road Improvements Coming

A portion of Veterans Boulevard in Berkeley Township will be reconstructed under an estimated $2 million dollar project. The road serves as a major viaduct connecting the Garden State Parkway to the center of town. More than 4,300 feet of the road near exit 77 on the Parkway will be reconstructed and widened from Western Boulevard to Grand Central Parkway.

Over the last several years, there have been a number of accidents in that area. Many have involved students from Central Regional High School which sits right near the stretch. When Berkeley brought on new police chief Karin Di Michele last year, she vowed to make such necessary upgrades. The Ocean County Freeholders announced the project at this week's board meeting.

In addition to widening the stretch, a second eastbound lane will be added as well as wider shoulders, increasing the size from 3 to 6 feet. The horizontal and vertical curves will also be improved to provide better sight distances and safer conditions.

According to Freeholder James Lacey, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Road Department, "construction is expected to begin following the end of the school year in June and be completed by the end of 2012."