Crosswalk To Courthouse Opens On Hooper Avenue In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — People looking to cross Hooper Avenue between the Ocean County administrative offices and the county courthouse now have a crosswalk and a new signal to cross safely.

The signal and crosswalk put in place near the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are part of steps to make the area safer for pedestrians and motorists and part of accommodating the construction of the new annex to the Ocean County Justice Complex.

The crosswalk and signal is in addition to the installation of a Jersey barrier down the center of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue.

The traffic signal , a new traffic signal located by 119 Hooper Avenue has been installed in order to alert motorists of a crosswalk created for pedestrians. The signal can be changed by pedestrians by pushing a button on the sidewalk. Signage has been installed with instructions.

With the opening of the new Hooper Avenue crosswalk, the pedestrian bridge over Hooper Avenue that connects the Ocean County parking garage to the justice complex is now closed, officials said.

Pedestrians can also cross Hooper Avenue at the signalized crosswalks at the corner of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue and at Madison Avenue at Hooper Avenue.

Hooper Avenue has been reduced to one lane in each direction from Washington Street to Madison Avenue and the speed limit is now 25 mph, with the lanes closest to the sidewalks barricaded off from vehicle traffic.

As part of the work, the Hooper Avenue entrance into the Ocean County Administration Complex at 101 Hooper Ave. also is now closed to motorists. The county parking garage has entrances on Hadley Avenue and Washington Street.

Some of these changes will remain in effect until the annex on the justice complex is completed.

"We urge everyone working or visiting the downtown area to adhere to these changes," Kelly said. "Safety is of the utmost importance and we need everyone to be vigilant of the changes."