One Lane Of Route 166 Bridge Over Toms River Closed For Emergency Repairs Immediately

(Trucks block the right lane of Route 166 Wednesday night as repair work begins. Credit: Karen Wall)

The state Department of Transportation has closed the right lane of the Route 166 northbound bridge over the Toms River in South Toms River for emergency deck repairs.

A routine biennial inspection found deterioration on the underside of the bridge deck has increased at an alarming rate with concrete falling into the river, prompting the need for immediate repairs. The bridge carries two lanes of traffic over the south fork of the Toms River, according to the DOT.

The right lane was closed Wednesday night as full depth emergency deck work began. Once the repairs are made to the right lane, the left lane will be closed for repairs. At least one lane will be maintained at all times. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, Feb. 6.

The bridge is on the DOT’s “structurally deficient” list. A project to replace the bridge is currently in concept development, but construction is still several years away,

Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.