The New Jersey Department of Transportation is addressing some of the issues raised in a recent YouTube rant by Seaside Park business owner and Councilwoman Gale Coleman over the Route 35 Reconstruction project.

Phases of the Route 35 reconstruction project
Phases of the Route 35 reconstruction project (NJ DOT)
loading...

In response to frustration over what Coleman says is a lack of parking from the road being completely ripped up and what appears to be a lack of work being performed daily, state D-O-T Spokesman Steve Schapiro said the project is a massive one that will be disruptive and cause some inconvenience. He referred to an area shown in Coleman's video. "The road and the median was milled where the asphalt and concrete were removed and then dewatering wells were installed, and once those dewatering wells are in place, it usually takes two or three weeks for the area to dry out sufficiently before the workers can go back in, excavate, and install the drainage pipes.They're part of this project," said Schapiro. He added crews are working on other areas of the project until then.

Homes and businesses not being accessible also is a major concern among Borough officials and residents. "People have to remember that again, this is a massive project that is being accelerated from the time we began last summer through when we're going to finish. We're working to get it done in as short a time frame as possible," Schapiro said. "That includes taking that median parking for this portion of the construction."

Schapiro pointed out the D-O-T suspended construction on Route 35 for the summer to benefit the community and minimize the inconvenience to businesses, residents and vacationers in the busiest time of year. "Now that we're past the summer season, it's time to get back to work," he said. "There is plenty of parking on side streets. There's a lot fewer people down there this time of year."

Schapiro did not provide a clear answer about big black boxes sticking out next to an environmentally-protected area, saying that the D-O-T has been working with local officials to keep them up to date on the project and it's design.

The reconstruction of Route 35 is being done in three phases, according to Schapiro, who  could not provide a time frame as to how long it would take to complete.

Anyone with concerns or questions about the project can contact the D-O-T through its hotline at 732-230-7356 or email at restore.nj35@dot.state.nj.us. An outreach team will respond.

More From 92.7 WOBM