The Ocean County Board of Commissioners held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning at the intersection of Cross Street and Augusta Boulevard in Lakewood to celebrate the completion of a third lane on Cross Street, between Route 9 and Augusta Boulevard. This new center lane features turning lanes in both directions, which is expected to enhance safety and help alleviate traffic bottlenecks on this busy thoroughfare.
Lakewood Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller noted the road’s strategic location, as a key artery serving three municipalities – Lakewood, Jackson and Toms River – which make the effects of improvements so far reaching.
Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein stressed that, while a step in the right direction, it is imperative that the County promptly continue Cross Street’s expansion through the next phases of the planned improvement project. The project is set to eventually feature a full five lanes – two lanes in each direction, plus a center turning lane – on Cross Street from Route 9 until Route 528 (East Veterans Highway).
“We are looking forward to work hand-in-hand with the County to get the complete job done as expeditiously as possible,” said Committeeman Lichtenstein. “The County knows that the Township is willing to do anything it takes to help.”
Committeeman Lichtenstein and Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes presented a Proclamation from Lakewood Township to County officials, thanking them for the improvements completed thus far. Immediately after the ribbon was cut to celebrate the new lane, officials grabbed their shovels to break ground for the next improvement phases.
State Senator Robert Singer; Assemblyman Avi Schnall; Ocean County Commissioners Frank Sadeghi and Virginia Haines; County Engineer Mark Jehnke; were among the officials at the event. Commissioner Sadeghi vowed to continue working on the Cross Street and other improvement projects. “We know that the community has changed and the community’s needs have changed,” he explained, “and we need to put the pieces together to meet those needs.”
Mark Jehnke stated that the County is expected to begin the next phase of work within the coming year, and continue working into 2027 through the project’s completion.
The ceremony was followed by a luncheon at Bun Burger Kitchen on Route 9 and Cross Street, where officials networked and discussed various initiatives to benefit the residents of Lakewood and surrounding communities.
What about sidewalks?? It’s crazy that with all the work done, there are no sidewalks included in the project.
It is important that the drivers understand how the “turning lane” works. It is not a regular driving lane or a passing lane. Please educate the community. I have seen this type of turning lane misused in other areas because of lack of knowledge of this type of turning lane. This lane is only a turning lane at designated areas.