Route 35 Reconstruction, Frequently Asked Questions, Construction Updates, Commuter Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this work necessary?

A segment of Route 35 on the Barnegat Peninsula in Ocean County was severely compromised as a result of Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) took immediate steps after the storm to restore safe travel on the highway, but a complete reconstruction is required.

The Department is moving swiftly to substantially complete the project in a period of two years – by the summer of 2015 – to minimize the risk of losing use of this vital highway from damage inflicted by a future storm.

A less extensive project had been planned to rehabilitate Route 35 later this decade, but the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy prompted the Christie Administration to accelerate and augment those plans to the present.

What is being done under this project?

A 12.5-mile segment of Route 35 on the Barnegat Peninsula is being completely rebuilt. This $341 million federal- and state-funded project includes the construction of a stronger, more resilient roadway, a new drainage system that will significantly improve the stormwater drainage characteristics of the highway, and Complete Streets features to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Where is the work being performed?

The project area extends 12.5 miles through eight municipalities along the Barnegat Peninsula from Milepost (MP) 0.0 in Berkeley to MP 12.5 in Bay Head. From south to north, the project passes through Berkeley, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Toms River, Lavallette, another section of Toms River, Brick, Mantoloking and Bay Head.

Work will be performed along the highway and at locations close to the bay, which include both gravity outfalls and pump stations for the new drainage system. Temporary trenches will be dug along local streets for pipes connecting the drainage system along Route 35 to the pump stations.

A total of nine underground pump stations will be built. Each will be accompanied by an electrical and control panel elevated above the ground to protect the equipment from floods. Pump locations:

Berkeley – One pump station at Bayview and 22nd avenues
Seaside Park – Three pump stations at Bayview and 8th avenues, Bayview and Island avenues, and on L Street
Toms River – One pump station on Eisenhower Avenue
Mantoloking – Two pump stations on Lyman Street and on Downer Avenue
Bay Head – Two pump stations on Goetze Street and on Mount street

How will traffic be handled during construction, and when can I expect lane closures?

As of June 2015, all Route 35 travel lanes for the entire 12.5 miles are now open. Short duration traffic shifts or lane closures may be necessary for installing vehicle detection and doing some limited work on shoulders, sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs and landscaping items.

Will access to my property be affected?

Yes. When construction activity takes place in front of driveways, access will be affected. Notice will be given to homeowners prior to work that blocks access, and access will be restored within 18 days.

What if I need access to my driveway during a period of no access?

If special circumstances arise, contact the Department's community outreach team.

Will my mail delivery be affected?

Yes. Mail delivery will be affected at various times, such as when construction activity blocks access for letter carriers. The Department is working to create temporary delivery locations.

Will my utility service be interrupted?

Yes. There will be times of service disruptions depending on the needs of utility companies to repair or replace lines. Utility companies or NJDOT's Community Outreach Team will notify residents.

Will the work require detours of traffic onto local streets?

Generally, no. The only exception is a section of Route 35 between 14th and 20th avenues in Berkeley Township.

When does construction start?

Work began at the end of August 2013. The project has been divided into three geographic areas, with three separate contractors performing the work. The contractors are allowed to work on pump stations and other project elements that will not reduce the normal complement of Route 35 travel lanes during the high-traffic-volume summer months (June through Labor Day). Work that requires Route 35 lane closures will be restricted to non-summer months, when traffic volumes are significantly lower. The project sections, delineated by MP are:

MP 0.0 to 4.0: Berkeley, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights and Toms River
MP 4.0 to MP 9.0: Lavallette, Toms River and Brick
MP 9.0 to MP 12.5: Mantoloking and Bay Head

When will the project be completed?

Contract 3, MP 0.0 to 4.0:
(Berkeley, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights and Toms River)
As of June 2015, the final pavement for Route 35 has been completed, including vehicular and bicycle lane striping, with all Route 35 travel lanes open. All sidewalk and pedestrian facilities have been installed. Minor corrective work is ongoing. All drainage outfalls and pump stations have been installed. All travel lanes are open with exception of temporary lane closures which will be utilized for minor sidewalk and pedestrian facility work. Landscaping in the vicinity of the pump stations will be completed this Fall.

Contract 2, MP 4.0 to MP 9.0:
(Lavallette, Toms River and Brick)
As of June 2015, all Route 35 travel lanes are open with shoulder closures being necessary for work zones in select locations. Sidewalks and pedestrian facility work are continuing. All drainage outfalls have been installed. All work is expected to be completed this Fall.

Contract 1, MP 9.0 to MP 12.5:
(Mantoloking and Bay Head)
As of June 2015, the final pavement for Route 35 has been completed. Lane striping and bicycle accommodations have been completed. All sidewalk and pedestrian facilities have been installed. Miscellaneous landscaping work continues throughout the project limits. All drainage outfalls and pump stations have been installed with minor work in progress for the Mount Street pump station, which is expected to be completed this Fall. All Route 35 travel lanes are open for the Summer 2015 season. Short duration traffic shifts are expected when vehicle detectors are installed at signalized intersections.

How will motorists be notified when work on certain parts of Route 35 affect their daily commute?

NJDOT will use Variable Message Signs (VMS), newspapers, radio, traffic reports and its web site to alert motorists.

Will pedestrian routes be affected by construction?

Yes. However, temporary alternative pedestrian routes will be provided.

How is emergency access being addressed throughout the Route 35 project area?

A single lane along Route 35 will always be provided.

What Complete Streets improvements will benefit pedestrians and bicyclists?

The reconstruction of Route 35 will include Complete Streets features such as sidewalks, bicycle compatible roadway shoulders and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant (ADA) ramps will be built where there is sufficient NJDOT right of way.

Pedestrians and bicyclists can expect the following improvements:

Virtually continuous sidewalk will be constructed along the entire length of Route 35 northbound. The project includes 63,000 linear feet of new or rebuilt sidewalk.
High visibility crosswalks will be created throughout the corridor to guide pedestrians to designated crossing locations and to alert motorists where to expect pedestrian crossings to take place. Crosswalks will be equipped with 200 new pedestrian countdown heads.
Approximately1,200 ADA ramps will be installed at intersections.
Efforts will be made to accommodate bicyclists through the creation of designated bike lanes where feasible. Striping and signage will be installed to help bicyclists and motorists share the road safely.
Improvements to the streetscape and median areas will make the area more inviting and comfortable for those walking or biking along the corridor.

How will construction activity affect traffic on local streets?

Work within the business districts will be limited to block-by-block staging to minimize impacts to businesses and parking. Local street impacts will be limited to those streets which will accommodate drainage pipes routed to Barnegat Bay outfalls.

How will the reconstruction address flooding and stormwater pollution?

An all-new underground stormwater drainage system will be installed, including an increased number of inlets to collect roadway runoff. Water quality chambers will be installed on each outfall to improve the quality of water discharged into the Barnegat Bay. The system is designed to handle drainage needs of Route 35, not local streets.

How is the roadway being redesigned to be able to handle another storm like Sandy?

The 8-inch-thick concrete or asphalt roadway will be replaced with 24-inch-thick roadway engineered for stability and strength.

How can I stay informed or comment on this project?

NJDOT encourages community members to submit comments to the Project Outreach Team at:

E-mail
Phone: 732.230.7356
This hotline will be available at all times for residents or others to leave messages that will be returned by the outreach team.