Route 9 Shoulder Closures Set For Monmouth Co. Over Next Several Weeks

MANALAPAN, NJ — Route 9 will face daytime shoulder closures throughout the next several weeks due to the start of a pavement preservation project in Manalapan, Freehold and Howell, the NJ Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 16, and continuing Monday through Friday over the following weeks, Route 9 will have shoulder closures in both directions between Symms Drive/Ryan Road in Manalapan and I-195 in Howell from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The closures are necessary for curb, sidewalk, and inlet repairs, officials said.

Work is scheduled to begin on Route 9 southbound in Manalapan and make its way south to I-195 in Howell. From there, officials said the work will continue on Route 9 northbound.

"Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution, and expect delays when driving through the work zone," officials said.

In addition to shoulder closures, officials said Route 9 lane closures are expected later this fall for roadway repairs to the mainline.

Once curb repairs, sidewalk repairs, and drainage inlet improvements are complete, officials said milling and paving of ramps and side roads is expected to begin.

Paving work and roadway repairs are scheduled to take place overnight, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day Monday through Thursday nights, and from 8 p.m. on Friday nights until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

In the event of a ramp closure, officials advise motorists to follow the signed detours. Milling and paving of the Route 9 mainline is expected to begin next summer.

This road work is part of a $9.2 million federally funded pavement project, according to the NJ Department of Transportation.

The project will mill and pave approximately 10 miles of Route 9 and most ramps between Symms Drive/Ryan Road in Manalapan, through Freehold Borough and Freehold Township to I-195 in Howell.

In addition to milling and paving, the project will repair curbs and sidewalks and make drainage upgrades within the project limits. The project is expected to be complete by the summer of 2026.

The NJ Department of Transportation reminds residents that the timing of the project’s work is subject to change due to weather and other factors.

To stay up to date with construction updates and real-time travel information, you can visit 511nj or the NJ Department of Transportation Twitter (NJDOT Facebook and NJDOT Instagram).