Route 9 intersection with Ocean Gate Drive/ Korman Road to be improved in Berkeley Township

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Jim Simpson today announced the beginning of a project to improve the Route 9 intersection with Ocean Gate Drive/Korman Road in Berkeley Township, Ocean County. Currently, Route 9 traffic backs up at this intersection due to geometric inefficiencies.

“Realigning and widening the intersection will greatly reduce congestion and improve safety in Berkeley Township, which is especially important during the busy summer months,” said Commissioner Simpson.

Beginning Monday April 12, NJDOT will close the right lane and shoulder on Route 9 southbound at the intersection with Ocean Gate Drive/Korman Road in order to establish the construction zone. The roadway shoulders on Route 9 northbound, Ocean Gate Drive and Korman Road will all be closed south of the intersection, as well.

The $345,000 state-funded project will improve safety at this intersection by providing dedicated left-turn lanes from the cross streets, Ocean Gate Drive and Korman Road, onto Route 9. Route 9 will also be reconfigured and restriped south of the intersection to provide for two thru-lanes in each direction, helping relieve congestion at this location. The two-lane configuration on Route 9 in each direction will be extended for approximately 300 feet south of the intersection.
The existing traffic signal will be reconstructed to accommodate the new lane configuration. Additional cross walks will be provided at the intersection, as well as new sidewalks and curbing.

The work will be accomplished during daytime hours with periodic single-lane and shoulder closures. No nighttime activities are scheduled at this time.

The project is scheduled for completion in June 2010.

NJDOT will place variable messaging signs on Route 9 to inform motorists of any traffic pattern changes during construction. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org