As the summer lull gives way to fall, Lakewood officials are touting a blitz of infrastructure improvements that reshaped dozens of local streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths — part of an annual warm-weather strategy to cram as much work as possible into the township’s least disruptive weeks.
Over two dozen projects were wrapped up between June and August, ranging from fresh asphalt on East 7th Street and South Lake Drive to new ADA-compliant sidewalks at major intersections and expanded pedestrian walkways across town. Township officials say it’s a model of timing and efficiency — frontloading construction while vacation traffic keeps local roads quieter.
“The summer months give us the opportunity to advance the most disruptive projects when schools are out and traffic is lighter,” said Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, who credited Lakewood’s Department of Public Works, engineers, and outside contractors for accelerating timelines. “We remain committed to progressing ongoing projects while planning the next wave for 2026.”
The recently finished slate includes:
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Freshly paved roads and drainage fixes on corridors like Myrtle Place, Valley Drive, and Tuxedo Terrace.
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Road striping and traffic flow changes, including new turning lanes at Spruce and Vine.
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Sidewalk, curb, and ADA ramp upgrades at heavily trafficked intersections such as 14th & Lexington and South Lake & Lake Park.
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Pedestrian walkway expansions along Coral Avenue, South Street, Ridgeway/Drake, Marlin, Isabella, and Vilna Path.
Behind the rollout is a broader infrastructure strategy. Lakewood has spent the past year ramping up capital investment in streetscape improvements and drainage systems, while navigating the township’s rapid growth and perennial traffic headaches. Officials say the August construction surge is a deliberate tactic: getting maximum progress done when schools are closed, commuters are away, and the weather cooperates.
The broader infrastructure program — which also includes large-scale drainage and traffic relief projects still underway — is expected to dominate the township’s budget and political agenda heading into 2026.
