NJNG, Debris Haulers Enter Toms River Barrier Island Nabes

Travel restrictions apply to sections of Ocean County's northern barrier island in Toms River and Lavallette as New Jersey Natural Gas crews begin line restoration and trash haulers begin moving tons of storm debris back to the mainland.

The work is being done in phases to allow as much access to the storm-swept neighborhoods as possible for contractors and homeowners.

Lavallette has open access today. In Toms River, the north beaches are closed for gas line restoration and Ortley Beach is closed for debris removal. Tomorrow, NJNG occupies the north beaches and Lavallette while debris haulers remain in Ortley. All three neighborhoods are closed again Wednesday for gas line repairs.

NJNG work will keep Pelican Island and Seaside Heights off-limits Thursday. Then on Friday, the Toms River north beaches, Ortley and Lavallette will be open while NJNG works in Seaside Park and South Seaside Park.

The entire barrier island reopens for will be open for residents Saturday and Sunday, between 8 AM and 4 PM. Officials advise to budget a large block of time to compensate for delays in each direction over the Tunney Bridge.

See additional information at http://www.tomsrivertownship.com.