Jackson Township residents are adjusting to changes in traffic flow following the completion of a paving project on South New Prospect and North New Prospect Roads. The work, conducted by Earle Asphalt in coordination with the Ocean County Road Department and Ocean County Engineering Department, spans from West County Line Road to Andover Road.
The new traffic configuration, which has drawn numerous inquiries and complaints, is aimed at improving traffic flow on South New Prospect Road from Woodlane Road to West County Line Road. The updated roadway now features three lanes: two outer travel lanes for northbound and southbound traffic, and a newly added center lane designated exclusively for left turns.
The Jackson Police Traffic Safety Unit noted that the center lane is strictly for vehicles preparing to make immediate left turns into neighborhoods, side streets, or shopping plazas. The lane is not to be used for passing, traveling, or merging. Officers will issue traffic summonses for improper use of the lane.
Residents have also noticed temporary lane markings on the freshly paved roadway. These markings will remain until the asphalt cures, typically within 10-14 days of the project’s completion. Permanent and more detailed lane markings will be applied soon.
For further clarification or to report traffic concerns, residents are encouraged to contact the Jackson Police Traffic Safety Unit.
I and many of my neighbors are extremely disturbed by this new lane. They essentially made a 2 lane road into 3 by cutting very close to the curb and removing the shoulder entirely. There are many places that there is no sidewalk and this new traffic configuration makes it very hazardous to walk. This cuts us off from allowing our children go down the block to the store or to visit friends. Walking at night is even more hazardous.
Was there any thought put into this? Who will take responsibility if someone gets hurt? Do we need to be 100% dependent on cars with no option to walk or bike? It’s about time that traffic updates are thought through properly with accountability.
A concerned Jackson resident.