UPDATE: Traffic Moving Again After Emergency Repairs Closed Route 37 In Both Directions on Saturday

3:15 PM UPDATE : Traffic is flowing once again on Route 37 in both directions late Saturday afternoon. Traffic was snarled earlier in the afternoon for emergency utility repairs.

ORIGINAL STORY: 

Ocean County Traffic Watch and the Toms River Police Department are confirming that a major detour will take place on Route 37 in both directions. Route 37 will be closed in both directions near the Garden State Parkway for utility repairs around noon.

The Toms River Police Department wrote on Facebook this morning that they were working with JCP&L to coordinate an emergency repair of electrical wires that fell on the roadway.

Toms River Police say the that traffic will be detoured for approximately 20 minutes. Lakehurst Road will be used an alternate.

"Traffic will be detoured for approximately 20 minutes for phase 1 repairs. Route 37 Eastbound will be sent down Lakehurst Road to outlying areas or Garden State Parkway Northbound for access back onto Route 37. Route37 Westbound will be sent onto the Parkway to outlying areas or to Lakehurst Road to return to Route37," they wrote.

The roadway will reopen so that traffic can clear up, but a second phase of repairs is expected a little later this afternoon. The second phase is expected to last about 20 minutes, and the same detours will be in place.

Of course, all of these estimated times could take longer, so it may be a good idea to pack some patience if you're driving along Route 37 this afternoon.

An accident earlier in the day on Saturday morning in Toms River knocked out power to nearly 30,000 residences in Ocean County.