Interchange 91 reconfiguration in Brick near the finish line – Really

The days of dodging construction cones and facing interminable traffic jams in one of Brick Township's busiest intersections are nearly over, say Ocean County officials as the final touches for Garden State Parkway Interchange 91's expansion are added in the next several weeks.

"We anticipate the bulk of the work will be completed in about a month," Freeholder John P. Kelly said in prepared remarks. . "Once all the traffic signals are working properly, signage has been installed and the remainder of the work is done, the improvements at the interchange will be open to motorists."

On Monday, August 7, the traffic signal at Lanes Mill Road is scheduled to begin flashing. The new northbound Parkway entrance from Lanes Mill is scheduled to open Thursday, August 10. Westbounders on Burnt Tavern Road and southbounders on Lanes Mill will see signs for the new ramp.

The project expands on-and-off ramps to include the northbound and southbound side of the toll road. The original design had only an entrance ramp to the northbound Parkway, and an exit ramp from the southbound side. The final phase completes reconfigurations east of the Parkway. Redesigns west of the highway were completed in May.

Once it's fully operational, the redesign is aimed at shrinking lines of traffic on Lanes Mill and Burnt Tavern Roads, and easing the snags created at Exit 90 for Chambers Bridge Road, where many harried drivers sought refuge during the work.

All told, the redesign encompasses:

• A new northbound entrance ramp from Burnt Tavern Road and Lanes Mill Road, with access to the Park-N-Ride lot on the east side of the Parkway.
• A second northbound entrance ramp for vehicles traveling eastbound on Burnt Tavern Road, accessible also from Burrsville Road. The single ramp is eliminated.
• A new northbound exit ramp linking the Parkway and Burrsville Road.
• A new southbound entrance ramp for traffic heading west on Burnt Tavern Road..
• A second southbound entrance ramp linking Lanes Mill Road with the Parkway. Herborn Avenue extends south and east to Lanes Mill, meeting the new ramp at a signaled intersection.
• Southbound Parkway traffic could exit at the existing ramp or continue under the Burnt Tavern Road Bridge and use a new ramp that will link with Lanes Mill Road at a second new signaled interchange.
• Improved access to Park-N-Ride commuter lots on the east and west sides of the Parkway.

Officials predict that the reconfiguration satisfies the needs of the area's growing population for the next 20 years. Of course, you will be the ultimate judge of that. We'll be interested to hear your comments.