Construction Closure In Place At Colonial Drive In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — The ramp from Route 37 west to Colonial Drive has been closed as construction of a sewer line continues, Manchester Township police said Wednesday.

The ramp closure, which began Wednesday, is part of the ongoing project that was announced in August to accommodate a new development. The closure initially was expected to happen on Sept. 21 but was delayed because of the weather and construction issues, police said.

To get to the municipal complex, the Ocean County Library and the Manchester Emergency Services building, drivers must take Route 37 west past Colonial Drive to the Lakehurst Circle, then come back east on Route 37 and take the Route 37 exit ramp to Colonial Drive, then cross over Route 37 to reach the municipal complex.

Those leaving Leisure Village via Huntington Drive who want to get to the municipal complex will have to turn right onto Colonial Drive, go to Route 70 and turn left on Route 70 west, then take Route 70 to the Lakehurst Circle to get to Route 37 east, and use the Colonial Drive exit ramp to reach the complex.

The same detour routes apply for access to Manchester Township High School and Manchester Township Elementary School.

Access to the TD Bank is limited to its Route 37 west entrance only.

The sewer line project is for a 519-unit apartment complex on the corner of Colonial Drive and Route 37's eastbound lanes. Presidential Gardens at Manchester initially was approved by the township Planning Board in 2012 and had been held up over a battle with the state Department of Environmental Protection over a Coastal Area Facility Review Act permit.

The NJDEP and the developer, Kenneth Pizzo, reached a settlement agreement in 2022, FAA News reported.

Manchester police said the Route 37 west ramp to Colonial Drive will remain closed until the sewer line work is completed.