The Turnpike Authority has approved $3.5 million to repair the Garden State Parkway after it was damaged in a fire.

State police say the Garden State Parkway fire was set on purpose in Ocean County. 

Last week, flames were seen shooting out of the tunnel which runs under the width of both the north and southbound lanes. The 66-inch diameter tunnel is lined with a protective resin and was damaged in the fire. Officials say the fire also damaged the original pipe and stormwater treatment devices.  

This was the second fire in less than a year ruled arson in the area.   

Last March, a fire burned 170 acres of woods and damaged 30 homes. No charges were filed in that incident.