Route 35 Rebuild Starts This Summer [VIDEO]

Tossed around like a rag doll during the superstorm, Route 35 is in line for a complete overhaul. Governor Chris Christie today announced an aggressive timetable to rebuild a 12.5-mile stretch from Point Pleasant Beach to the entrance of Island Beach State Park.

He said the project, at a price tag of more than $200 million in federal highway funds, should break ground this summer and wrap up by the summer of 2015.

The Christie Administration said this reconstruction project will rebuild Route 35 in a stronger, more resilient manner, while also providing better drainage, a smoother driving surface, improved accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists, and more economical repair and upkeep costs.

"This commitment demonstrates the determination we have to rebuild after epic devastation and heartbreaking losses as residents, businesses and this Administration work together to restore the Shore in ways that will help us all stand stronger," the Governor said.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson said efforts will be made to limit motorist inconvenience, as the work will continue during this summer driving season.

"For this entire project, you will always have one lane in each direction," Simpson told Lavallette residents. "We want to get in and get out. We don't want to drag this out for four or five years."