Police Warn of Area Road Closures Due to Haskell

Authorities are warning residents of upcoming traffic closures around Monmouth Park on Sunday to accommodate traffic expected for the 2012 Haskell Invitational, traditionally the track's busiest day of the year.

Accordng to a traffic advisory released by the Oceanport Police Department, Oceanport Avenue, between Port Au Peck Avenue and the Main Gate of Monmouth Park, will be closed to all vehicular traffic to provide safe accommodation for the large pedestrian flow in and out of the racetrack.

The following additional traffic management measures may be implemented if situations warrant them:

• The Route 36 north and southbound left turn-lanes at Oceanport Avenue and the Route 36 northbound right lane by the race track exit gate are expected to be closed to traffic at 6 p.m.
• The Route 36 jughandle ramps at the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission entrance intersection will be closed at approximately 3 p.m.
• Port Au Peck Avenue could be closed to through traffic between Myrtle Avenue and East Main Street from approximately 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The heaviest congestion is expected following the completion of the last race, which goes off at 6:17 p.m., to approximately 7:15 p.m.

According to a release issued by the NJ Divsion of Traffic, all lane closures planned are planned to help vacate Monmouth Park at the conclusion of the race and keep traffic moving along Route 36. "Dynamic message signs" will be used along roadways to keep drivers updated on traffic conditions and detours.

Police anticipate that the roadways that will experience the heaviest traffic flow will be Port Au Peck Ave from Myrtle Ave to Eatontown Blvd (County Rt 537), Eatontown Blvd from State Hwy 36 to Wyckoff Road/Broad Street in Eatontown, Main Street, Monmouth Road (State Hwy 71), and Oceanport Ave near the Racetrack, and Oceanport Avenue from Port Au Peck Avenue to the Little Silver border.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and to allow extra time for travel.