The Ortley Beach water tower. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Streets in the entirety of Toms River’s portion of the barrier island will be repaved after the summer rush ends, officials confirmed Tuesday night.
The Toms River township council voted unanimously Tuesday night to solicit bids for the project, which will span all of the municipally-owned streets in Ortley Beach and the North Beach neighborhoods.
“Once this is done, all of Ortley Beach will be paved, as well as the North Beaches,” said Township Engineer Robert Chankalian. “We’re paving the entire island.”
Plans for the project were first announced last summer, but were ultimately put off while many homes were still under reconstruction due to Superstorm Sandy recovery. This year, the township has determined enough construction activity has been completed to move forward.
Bids must be returned and a contract awarded before work can begin, but officials hope the project will start in the fall. The contract will include milling, paving and drainage improvements.
