Route 34 closed in Wall Township: Truck takes out utility pole

WALL TOWNSHIP — A utility pole hit by a tractor trailer on Route 34 closed the road near the Garden State Parkway into the afternoon commute.

Wall Police said a tractor trailer being driven by Shannon D. Grush, 40, of Lizella, Georgia took out a utility pole on the southbound side as he pulled out of the Allied Building Products on the southbound side just before Allaire Road. The utility pole snapped at the base, causing the pole to lean on wires.

JCP&L crews worked to remove and replace the utility pole while Wall Police, along with South Wall Fire Rescue, State Police and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, all worked to re-route traffic.

As of 4 p.m. Route 34 remained closed at Allenwood Road.

Traffic backed up on Route 34 to at least the area of Route 195 for most of the afternoon. Traffic was being detoured to Allenwood Road.

Traffic was also backing up for those trying to exit onto Route 34 southbound from Route 195 west.

Route 35 was also picking up extra alternative traffic.

Chris Swendeman, Mike Hilldebrandt and Jessica Frank all contributed to this report