Ocean County Approves Traffic Signal Upgrades for Jackson and Toms River

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners greenlit a traffic safety package that'll bring signal timing changes and equipment upgrades to dozens of intersections in Jackson and Toms River. The improvements aim to cut congestion and boost safety across central Ocean County over the coming year.

The initiative includes signal timing revisions, new traffic control equipment, and enhanced safety features. Officials said the improvements stem from studies conducted by the county's Department of Engineering. They reflect a long-term effort to modernize the local transportation network.

Toms River will see the largest share of work along the Route 571 corridor, which includes Bey Lea Road and Bay Avenue. Engineers also plan upgrades at intersections on North Bay Avenue, Oak Avenue, Old Freehold Road, and Whitty Road. The goal? Better synchronized signals and shorter wait times in retail and commercial zones near the Ocean County Mall and Seacourt Pavilion.

Other updates will improve pedestrian visibility and turning movements in high-traffic stretches around Bey Lea Park and the Toms River Intermediate North School area.

In Jackson, the county is prioritizing several commuter routes where congestion and safety have become growing concerns. Traffic signal revisions are planned for East Veterans Highway at Cross Street, North Hope Chapel Road, and South New Prospect Road at Brewers Bridge Road.

The intersections of North New Prospect and Aldrich Road will also receive upgrades. Engineers say these corridors serve as critical connections for drivers traveling between municipalities.

Lakewood wasn't among the towns receiving direct signal changes in this round. County engineers said the improvements in neighboring communities are expected to benefit Lakewood drivers indirectly, particularly those commuting along Cross Street, East Veterans Highway, and New Prospect Road.

Officials added that future studies will focus on additional intersections feeding into Lakewood's expanding residential and commercial districts. These corridors connect heavily used arteries to surrounding municipalities.

No start date for construction has been announced. The county said that public notices will be issued before each stage of work begins to alert motorists of temporary lane changes or closures.