Major changes planned for Garden State Parkway in Toms River area
According to New Jersey State Police data, 1,100 crashes occurred in just three years between mile markers 78 and 84, including five fatalities and 335 injuries.
A section of the Garden State Parkway through Ocean County is slated for a half-billion-dollar makeover. But before that happens, drivers will have an opportunity to share their thoughts with the state on the coming project.
A typical day driving on the Parkway between exits 80 and 82 can be nerve-wracking.
“People are supposed to slow down, but you won’t find people slowing down all together,” said Bernie Mackle, of Toms River.
The Turnpike Authority identified the stretch between mile markers 78 and 84 as particularly dangerous and announced plans for a major overhaul at a cost of $500 million.
According to New Jersey State Police data, 1,100 crashes occurred in just three years between mile markers 78 and 84, including five fatalities and 335 injuries.
Planned changes include a new southbound entrance ramp and northbound exit ramp at interchange 80, relocating the exit 81 southbound exit ramp and adding extra roads and lanes to help navigate the three interchanges. The plan also includes 12-foot-wide left- and right-side shoulders and travel lanes.
Locals say they don’t mind the inevitable construction, just get it done.
“Long overdue. A lot of accidents, especially this time of year, yeah, it’s long overdue,” said Travis Taylor, of Toms River.
“It’s still a very busy area, so hopefully any improvement will be positive,” said Kim Felicie, of Lakehurst.
The Turnpike Commission will take comments and unveil the full scope of this project next Wednesday night, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Ocean County Library on Washington Street in downtown Toms River.
