Ocean County Leader

Work to install a new traffic signal to help guide pedestrians across Hooper Avenue in downtown Toms River is now complete.

"This signal and the creation of the crosswalk by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office are all part of the steps we are taking to provide safer access to the Ocean County Courthouse and the Ocean County government buildings that line Hooper Avenue," said Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Engineering. "We needed to make these changes to this section of Hooper Avenue to create a safer traveling environment and to accommodate the construction of the new Ocean County Justice Complex annex."

In addition to installing a Jersey barrier down the center of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue, a new traffic signal located by 119 Hooper Avenue has been installed. The signal can be changed by pedestrians by pushing a button on the sidewalk. Signage with instructions has also been installed.

"These changes affect both motorists and pedestrians," Kelly noted.

The pedestrian crosswalk over Hooper Avenue, which connects the Ocean County Parking Garage to the Ocean County Justice Complex, will be closed beginning Sept. 25 now that the traffic signal and crosswalk have been installed.

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

The two traveling lanes in each direction of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue were decreased to one lane traveling north and one lane traveling south, with a reduced speed limit of 25 miles per hour. The outer lanes were barricaded off from vehicle traffic.

As part of this work, the Hooper Avenue entrance into the Ocean County Administration Complex at 101 Hooper Avenue is now closed to motorists. Parking for county services and other downtown areas can be accessed from Washington Street or Hadley Avenue.

Kelly noted that these changes will remain until the new justice complex annex is completed.

"We have a significant number of people using various government buildings each day in downtown Toms River, whether it's the Administration Building, the Ocean County Courthouse, or others," 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 underway."

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