Headed To Ocean County's Offices? Hooper Avenue Is Under Construction In Toms RIver

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Construction barriers have gone up along Hooper Avenue in downtown Toms River as the county makes changes because of the new Justice Complex annex and to improve safety.

Ocean County officials said the construction that began Friday, between Washington Street and Madison Avenue, will affect both drivers and pedestrians.

A Jersey barrier will be installed down the center of Hooper Avenue, to force pedestrians to use the crosswalks at Washington Street and Hooper Avenue, and at Madison Avenue and Hooper Avenue, officials said.

A traffic signal-controlled pedestrian crossing at 119 Hooper Ave. also is set to be installed, officials said.

The pedestrian crosswalk over Hooper Avenue that connects the Ocean County Parking Garage to the justice complex will remain open while the county works on installing the signal, which is anticipated to be ready in about three weeks.

In addition, there will be just one lane open to traffic in each direction from Madison Avenue to Washington Street, and the speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph, officials said. The outer lanes of Hooper Avenue will be barricaded off from vehicle traffic.

As part of the work, the Hooper Avenue entrance into the Ocean County Administration Complex will be closed to motorists. Parking for county services and other downtown areas can be accessed from Washington Street or Hadley Avenue.

The changes will be in effect until the new justice complex annex is completed.

"We have a significant number of people using the various government buildings
each day in downtown Toms River, whether it’s the Administration Building, the Ocean
County Courthouse, the Justice Complex, and a host of others," Ocean County Commissioner John Kelly said. "It’s imperative that we make these changes to improve safety in the area for both motorists and pedestrians while construction work is under way."