Toms River Offices Closed Friday

TOMS RIVER, NJ — As the area continues to dig out from Thursday's blizzard, Toms River Township officials closed town offices on Friday.

"In light of the continuing state of emergency and the fact that temperatures are going to be plummeting, making driving conditions hazardous, Town Hall offices are closed Friday, January 5th," officials said.

The closure also includes municipal court.

Officials in the Department of Public Works originally had said trash and recycling would not be picked up on Friday, but that was revised later:

"Road conditions are better than originally anticipated and therefore trash and recycling will be collected by the Department of Public Works tomorrow," an updated notice said. "Due to the New Year’s Day holiday and Winter Storm Grayson, both trash and recycling collections are two days behind normal schedule. Public Works will resume collections tomorrow, Friday, January 5th, starting with Wednesday’s routes. Trash and recycling will also be collected on Saturday, January 6th. Residents with normally scheduled collections that fall on Wednesday through Friday are being asked to place their containers curbside and leave them out until they are collected by township crews."

In addition, the township's Recycling Convenience Center will be open Friday starting at 9 a.m., officials said.

Public works officials also are asking that residents not shovel snow back onto the street.

"It can be a safety issue if people driving along don’t expect to have a bump or a pile of snow in their route," officials said. "If it’s severe enough, we have to go back and replow that section of road, which means our trucks can’t be somewhere else doing other important tasks."

Other hazards created by shoveling snow into the street include drainage problems, drifting, sight obstruction and safe access for pedestrians.

"Special attention should be made to keep crosswalks, intersections, entrances and exits clean and unobstructed," officials said.

"Our crews are working very hard around the clock to clear all township roads and your cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated. Stay safe and warm," officials said.

Photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff