EAST COUNTY LINE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS HIGHLIGHTED;
RIBBON CUTTING MARKS COMPLETION OF WORK
LAKEWOOD – Ocean County and Township officials gathered at the corner of East County Line and Squankum roads,
here, today, to celebrate the completion of extensive improvements to a roadway network that serves as a main artery
carrying commuters and linking local motorists in northern Ocean County.
“This project has provided this area with needed safety improvements,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as
liaison to the county’s Engineering Department. “It is also helping to mitigate a lot of the congestion in this area.”
As tradition would have it, the $4 million project was officially deemed complete once the county and local officials
clipped the ceremonial red ribbon during a ceremony June 26.
“Many residents approached me to compliment the safer and driver-friendly roadway,” said Township Deputy Mayor Meir
Lichtenstein. “I am most grateful to the County for working with our Traffic and Safety Unit as well as local businesses
to minimize the impact during construction.
“With the additional pedestrian improvements included, this project is a testament to the cooperation of local and
county Government,” he said.
The yearlong project provides needed improvements from Route 9 to the railroad crossing just past North Apple Street and
on Squankum Road from 13th Street to Milton Street.
Major improvements consisted of complete pavement reconstruction, new curbing, and the addition of sidewalks
throughout the entire length of the project, as well as drainage and traffic signal improvements.
“Moving people on safe and well-maintained highways and roadways throughout this county is a priority of the
Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “Working in cooperation with the
Mayor and Township Committee, the police and the surrounding communities always enhances the benefits of these kinds of
projects. This work is a tribute to what can result from strong partnerships.”
As part of the project, a new traffic signal was added at East Kennedy Boulevard and Squankum Road. Existing traffic
signals at Clifton Avenue, Princeton Avenue and Squankum Road were replaced and improved, including pedestrian actuated
crosswalks and handicapped access.
A center turning lane was added to much of the roadway; over 6,000 feet of storm sewer drainage pipes were
installed; over 12,000 feet of new curbing was formed and poured; over 21,500 square feet of sidewalk was installed.
Lakewood Township has reimbursed the county for the cost of the curbing and sidewalks.
“We take great pride in the work we do here in Ocean County,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little. “Our engineering
staff does a tremendous job working with the towns and the residents to make certain the temporary inconvenience that
sometimes comes with the actual work results in a far better and safer roadway.
“We always appreciate the patience of the business owners and residents while the work is ongoing,” Little said.
The contractor for the project was P&A Construction of Colonia, the design engineer was Keller & Kirkpatrick and
the construction manager was Robert Kilpatrick of Hatch, Mott MacDonald.
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