Ocean County officials pushed back Wednesday against mounting criticism over the county’s response to last weekend’s snowstorm, saying crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and restore safe travel conditions.
The statement from county leaders follows numerous complaints from residents and local officials who reported that some county-maintained roads appeared largely untouched for days after the storm.
According to the county, more than 200 employees were deployed during and after the storm, which impacted Ocean County from Sunday through the morning of Monday. Officials said crews were responsible for maintaining approximately 630 miles of roadway — representing more than 2,000 lane miles — and made repeated passes on roads throughout the storm as snow continued to accumulate.
“Ocean County crews responded immediately to last weekend’s storm and continue working to keep roadways as safe as possible,” said Frank Sadeghi, director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. “With cold temperatures and the potential for another storm, our teams are doing everything possible to prepare and stay ahead of the conditions.”
County officials said snow response operations involved multiple departments, including the Road Department, Bridges, Buildings and Grounds, Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste Management, and Vehicle Services. The Vehicle Services division was tasked with keeping the county’s snowplow fleet operational during extended storm response efforts.
“This level of response requires coordination and dedication across multiple departments,” said Ocean County Commissioner Ray Gormley. “Our employees have been working long hours in challenging conditions, and their commitment is essential as cleanup continues and preparations are made for what may come next.”
The Board of Commissioners urged residents to remain patient as crews continue clearing snow and ice, emphasizing that public safety remains the county’s top priority as winter weather persists.
The statement comes as temperatures remain below freezing across the region and forecasters warn of the potential for additional winter weather in the days ahead, conditions that officials say complicate cleanup and ongoing road treatment efforts.
Cross street wasn’t plowed until Monday 4pm, then 5 big huge trucks showed up, one behind the other, the first one pushed all the snow onto Massachusetts ave, the 2nd one spreyed some salt, and the 3rd 4th 5th ones just followed along, like little duckies plowing the already plowed rd,
If i wouldn’t see this with my own eyes, i wouldn’t believe it!
Stupid response. Basically not taking any responsibility
What kind of response is that? You’re understaffed? That is your issue. Hire a third party if you need to and get your responsibilities done.
somehow the county streets in Toms River and Jackson were plowed perfectly!
Coynty roads in Manchester were plowed well also
Should send the crew up North so the Bennie’s can show how to properly plow a road. The Lacey Township crew plows the road so all the snow blocks the driveway and as a senior I cannot go dig out.
When plowing a street they go in a straight line following the road. They have no choice but to have some snow go on our driveway’s. If you are unable to clear it suggest you hire someone. What have you done in past storms??
Thanks for sharing this update on Ocean County’s snow response. It’s interesting to hear that over 200 employees were working hard, even with all the complaints about the plowing.