NJDOT begins major reconfiguration
of the Routes 35/36 intersection in Eatontown

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the beginning of a project to improve safety and reduce congestion at the Route 35 and Route 36 intersection in Eatontown Borough, Monmouth County.

“Improving the operation of this convoluted intersection will make a great difference in increased safety and decreased congestion for Monmouth County motorists and summer tourists alike,” said Commissioner Jim Simpson. “We are pleased to have been able to work closely with local officials to advance this important project.”

Construction on this $12.4 million federally-funded project will begin Monday, April 19. Initial construction operations will include widening the highway shoulders and relocating Wall Street. There will be no permanent change to the existing traffic pattern during this stage of construction. The existing traffic pattern will be maintained during the majority of construction, with periodic, temporary lane closures allowed during daytime hours.

The existing intersection configuration has become out-dated and can no longer adequately handle the volume of traffic on the two highways, particularly during summer months. Route 36 is a major summer tourist route toward the beaches of Long Branch and Sandy Hook and Monmouth Mall is located directly to the southwest of the intersection.

NJDOT will realign and widen the existing intersection in order to improve operational performance and safety. Specific improvements that this project will provide are:

• New dual left-turn lanes along Route 35 southbound to replace the existing loop ramp in the southwest quadrant of the intersection.

• A deceleration lane along Route 35 northbound leading to a new ramp and acceleration lane, allowing a free-flow connection to Route 36 eastbound.

• A new loop-ramp connecting Route 36 eastbound to Route 35 northbound – this movement currently does not exist at the intersection.

• Extension of the existing left-most (third) lane on Route 36 eastbound, which currently ends approximately 800 feet east of the intersection causing unsafe conditions and bottleneck traffic.

• Reconstruction of the existing traffic signal to accommodate the new lane configuration at the intersection.

• Upgrades will also be provided to the traffic signals at the Route 35/Monmouth Mall entrance intersection and the Route 36/NJ Motor Vehicle Commission facility intersection.

• New sidewalks and cross walks will be provided and access modifications will be made to commercial property driveways throughout the intersection.

The project addresses concerns expressed by Eatontown Borough and Monmouth County officials and satisfies the project goals of alleviating congestion and enhancing safety. The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2012.

NJDOT will use variable messaging signs to inform motorists of the construction and any traffic pattern changes associated with the project. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org