Gov. Chris Christie says more than $200 million in federal funds will be used to rebuild a 12.5-mile storm-damaged stretch of Route 35.

 

 

Governor Christie in Lavallette
Governor Christie in Lavallette (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Under an aggressive timetable he says completion is expected by the summer of 2015.

The first contract will be awarded for the northernmost 3.5 miles from the border between Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head to the border between Mantoloking and Brick.

That stretch consists of a single road offering one travel lane in each direction. The governor says reconstruction will be performed in small sections, with alternating traffic patterns within the work zones.

According to the Governor's Office, the project will install a new and improved drainage system with pump stations and includes construction of Complete Streets features on state-owned land to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists in a safe manner. Utility companies will be installing new underground water, sewer, natural gas and communication lines as well.

Route 35 is now open but is in need of repair in many places. The project will completely rebuild the roadway from Point Pleasant Beach to Berkeley. The first construction contract to be awarded will be for the northernmost 3.5 miles of the road, from the border between Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head to the border between Mantoloking and Brick.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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