Route 37 Resurfacing Project Gets Underway In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Buckle up, folks. The drive around Toms River is going to get a bit more challenging starting immediately: the resurfacing of Route 37 is about to get under way.

The state Department of Transportation officials on Monday afternoon announced the start of the maintenance project that will resurface a four-mile stretch of Route 37, from just west of the Garden State Parkway to Fischer Boulevard.

The Route 37 work was expedited in May because the road was loaded with potholes and in bad condition following the harsh winter. The pothole issue got widespread attention following a frightening motorcycle crash that was capture on one rider's GoPro camera. (READ MORE: Terrifying Rt 37 Motorcycle Crash Video Shows Dangers Of Potholes)

"Because of the condition of this portion of Route 37 following the harsh winter, the department has fast-tracked a maintenance project to resurface the highway in both directions," a DOT official said. "The project just went out to bid and is expected to begin this summer. It will likely be done at night during the week when traffic is lightest to minimize the impact as best as possible."

The work that is beginning now will be concrete curb repairs along the stretch. The DOT said Earle Asphalt, the contractor, is scheduled to temporarily close shoulders from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the road Mondays through Thursdays. There additionally will be single-lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. those days while the curb work is completed.

On approximately Monday, Aug. 13, overnight milling and paving will happen on the stretch, with the work going on from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Work will not be done Friday through Sunday to minimize the effect on summer shore traffic, the DOT said.

The Route 37 portion of the $12.9 million state-funded resurfacing project — 10 miles of Route 35 in the Middletown area will be addressed as well — is expected to be completed by the fall.

Toms River area motorists also continue to work around the Route 166/Route 37 intersection project, which is continuing to frustrate businesses along Route 166.

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 and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info and on the NJDOT Facebook page.

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Photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff