Brick, Toms River Team Up For Normandy Beach Street Elevation

BRICK, NJ — The ongoing issues with flooding in the Normandy Beach area have prompted Brick Township and Toms River to tackle one aspect of the problem together.

The two towns approved a shared services agreement for street elevation work in the flood-prone portions of the neighborhood that spans the two towns.

The agreement includes seeking state funding to elevate Broad Street and 5th Avenue in Toms River, and 6th and 7th avenues in Brick.

"It has gotten to the point that prolonged flooding occurs every month during the full moon and new moon and the residents are understandably upset," Brick Township Mayor John G. Ducey said. "Regardless of the factors causing this flooding, we have an obligation to do what we can to address and mitigate the problem and help protect the quality of life for our residents."

"Normandy Beach is a barrier island neighborhood that spans the border between Brick and Toms River Township, and this project is a great example of two communities coming together to solve a common problem," said Toms River Township Maurice Mayor "Mo" Hill. "While this project will not stop all flooding, such as larger more intense storms like Superstorm Sandy, it will help minimize the frequency and depth of flooding during lesser intense storms and certain high tide events."

As part of the agreement, Toms River will prepare and submit a joint application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for 2021 funding for street elevation projects in Brick Township. Brick Township will look for additional funding opportunities and apply to any that are identified.

The design of the project and the construction estimate will be prepared by one of Tom River’s engineering pool firms. Brick will have final review of plans before they are finalized. The cost of these services will be distributed proportionately between the two municipalities according to the total disturbed area in each community.

Toms River will be responsible for seeking bids and awarding the contract for the project.

The shared services agreement will go into effect on June 1, 2020 and is contingent upon being awarded state Department of Transportation funds. The agreement ends when the completed project receives final approval from the state.

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