Bridge project will slow traffic to Seaside Heights St. Patrick’s Day Parade

As work continues on the Mathis Bridge, those planning to head to the Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Seaside Heights this weekend should consider a different way to get there.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation said one eastbound lane remains closed until May for a $4 million project replacing a deck which will cause delays and congestion Saturday morning for those using Route 37 eastbound to Route 35.

In addition vehicles, trailers and parade floats longer than 11 feet will not be allowed on the bridge. The jughandle to Douglas Street and Route 37 west just before the bridge in Toms River will also be closed.

According to the NJDOT, suggested alternative routes include the following:

From the Garden State Parkway North

• Take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 98 for Route 34 South.
• Follow Route 34 South, which will become Route 35 South.
• Continue on Route 35 South over the Manasquan River Bridge and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From the Garden State Parkway North South

• Take the Garden State Parkway north to exit 90 (Brick Township).
• Turn right onto Chambersbridge Road.
• Continue through seven traffic lights to the intersection of Mantoloking Road/CR 528.
• Turn left and follow Mantoloking Road to end.
• Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From the West via Interstate 195

• Head east on I-195 to Exit 35A for Route 34 South (Brielle).
• Follow Route 34 South, which will become Route 35 South.
• Continue on Route 35 South over the Manasquan River Bridge and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From Toms River via Hooper Avenue

• Take Hooper Avenue North.
• Turn right onto Drum Point Road and continue for 1.2 miles.
• Turn left onto Adamston Road and continue for about 1 mile.
• Turn right onto Mantoloking Road/CR 528 to end.
• Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.

From Manchester via Route 70

• Take Route 70 toward Brick Township.
• Turn right onto Cedar Bridge Avenue, which will become Mantoloking Road (CR 528).
• Follow Mantoloking Road to end.
• Turn right onto Route 35 South and proceed for several miles.
• Route 35 South will become a two-lane roadway. Follow signs toward Seaside Heights.