First look at Route 34 reconstruction plan upcoming in Colts Neck

A hefty stretch of Route 34 appears to be targeted for repaving by 2020. Anyone who frequents the highway can get a glimpse of the plans in progress, April 25 in Colts Neck Town Hall, and May 2 in the Aberdeen Community Center.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) says that the Reconstruction Concept Development Study applies to both directions, from Route 537 in Colts Neck to its Route 9 terminus in Old Bridge.

See details about the reconstruction study here.

DOT's rationale is that the pavement is deteriorating on both sides of the highway. Officials say that the underlying concrete was set in place between 1928 and 1930, and the only substantial change has been an asphalt top when it was widened.

The plan also includes traffic signal upgrades, bridge and drainage repairs, and curb and sidewalk improvements, including sidewalk connectivity and curb step-offs compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Preliminary engineering would begin this fall, with final designs anticipated in 2019.