Ocean County Commissioners have officially announced plans to build a new five-lane highway that will connect Jackson, Lakewood, and Toms River.
The project is aimed at easing heavy traffic and improving connectivity across these rapidly growing towns.
During a recent meeting, Commissioner John P. Kelly, who also serves as the director of law and public safety for the county, said this highway will be one of the most important road projects in years.
He mentioned that the route is expected to help with the constant traffic jams and long commute times that residents have been dealing with for a while now.
The highway will be designed to handle increasing traffic volumes by expanding key sections of existing roads and building new stretches where needed.
The plan includes five lanes, which means two lanes in each direction and a center lane for turning, which will help reduce delays and improve road safety.
The route of the new highway will include parts of Route 9 and Route 571, both of which are known for congestion, especially during peak travel hours. Officials said the project will be done in stages to make sure that traffic continues to flow while construction is underway.
The project is still in its early stages, but the commissioners said that planning and design are already in progress.
They also mentioned that public input will be a part of the process to make sure the final route works for residents and businesses along the way.
Commissioner Gary Quinn added that this highway is not just about easing traffic now—it’s also about preparing for the future. As Ocean County continues to grow, having a strong and reliable road system will be key to supporting that growth and keeping the area livable and safe.
Officials haven’t yet announced a completion date, but they said updates will be provided as the project moves forward.
The funding for the highway is expected to come from a combination of county, state, and possibly federal transportation funds.
Residents have long expressed concerns about how long it takes to travel between Jackson, Lakewood, and Toms River. This new highway could cut down on that time significantly, especially for those who rely on these roads daily for work, school, or other travel.
The commissioners stressed that their goal is to make Ocean County’s transportation infrastructure more efficient and future-ready.
They said that with smart planning and community feedback, this highway could be a major step toward solving traffic issues in the region.