Major Overnight Traffic Detours to Begin in Ocean County

Major traffic disruptions are expected in Ocean County in  Toms River and Seaside Park starting tonight.

Over the next 3 weeks as the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) announces a series of full overnight closures in both directions of Routes 9 and 166 for bridge demolition work.

Also tonight: A stretch of the Route 35 southbound expressway along the Barnegat Bay also will be closed through Ortley Beach and the Route 37 interchange in Seaside Heights.

The NJ Department of Transportation says Route 37 motorists destined for Seaside Heights and points north will be directed to stay right to utilize the ramp for Route 35 southbound (for Seaside Park/Island Beach State Park), then stay left at the Decatur Avenue U-turn and follow signs for Route 35 northbound.

Officials say the closures will begin this Monday night, September 9th, when Route 9 northbound and Route 166 southbound will be closed for concrete demolition of the existing Garden State Parkway bridge decks running over the state highway.

NJTA says Route 9 southbound motorist destined for Route 166 will be directed to use Indian Head Road to connector road to Route 166. In addition, Route 166 northbound motorist destined for Route 9 northbound will be directed to also use the connector road to Indian Head Road to Route 9 northbound.

Variable message signs will be set up to help motorist navigate the detours. Toms River Police will also be assisting. Motorist are encouraged to check New Jersey Department of Transportation's (NJDOT) traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.

It's a part of a $350 million dollar safety improvement project between mile markers 83 in Toms River to 100 in Wall townships.