Ire Over Route 35 Lane Closure in Lavallette

Lavallette business owners and town officials are demanding assurances that the Route 35 construction work will be suspended once again this summer. Mayor Walter LaCicero is expressing concern because he said they weren't notified by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) about this week's northbound lane closure, that's expected to last until Spring.

"There was no specification that the travel lane would be moved to the right shoulder in the plans that were originally drafted and signed by all the parties."

DOT Spokesman Steve Schapiro said the contractor is digging trenches to install  water main lines and also adding drainage pipes.

"What we're doing is not just reconstructing the road but also adding a drainage system that can handle a 25-year storm," Schapiro explained.

LaCicero also accuses the contractor of playing by its own rules and changing contract specifications.

"There are restrictions on the size of the length of the trenches that can be dug here. We have a restriction currently of three blocks. Harms continues to violate those terms and there's apparently no repercussion," said LaCicero.

LaCicero adds that he doesn't believe the lane closure along the corridor is necessary and that he's reached out to the DOT about his concerns but has not gotten a response. However, Schapiro said they're in constant contact with town officials and are in the process of arranging a meeting with LaCicero as soon as the mayor's schedule allows.

The mayor wants the DOT to confirm that work on Route 35 will be suspended through June, July and August. LaCicero said roadwork through the summer tourism season would be devastating to local businesses.

The State DOT has a hotline step up for citizens regarding the Route 35 project which is 732-230-7356. There's also an email set up at restore.nj35@dot.state.nj.us