Parkway Expected To Get A Facelift

Here's a story that could affect your commute. The Garden State Parkway is set for a $600-million-dollar upgrade later this year from exit 83 in Ocean County to 100 in Monmouth.

The 17 mile stretch runs through Toms River, Lakewood, Brick and Wall. The plan calls for the installation of shoulders along the roadway and the expansion of the three existing travel lanes from 11 to 12 feet. It's called the GSP Shoulder Restoration and Improvement Program. It's all about safety and efficiency and some of the upgrades may even help to alleviate traffic in the stretch.

Assistant Chief Engineer Rob Fischer with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority says the area has seen its share of accidents. He says "this will definitely make a difference on the number. The speed limit reduction years ago only helped a little. Making the lanes a little wider will be a benefit."

Some of the plan includes improvements to superelevations, improve lanes, widen or replace bridges, reconstruct roadside borders, remove hazards from the so-called clear zone and even a new storage site near Barnegat Township. The plan is to go out to bid in August for a September start.

Work is expected to take anywhere from two to three years. They are vowing not to disrupt the traffic for the summer tourism season. They will keep lanes open and work overnights.

A public information session will be held on Thursday, March 15th in the Brick Township Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m.