The entrance to downtown Toms River under construction, with the former Red Carpet Motel in the background, April 1, 2019. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Motorists entering the downtown Toms River area have, no doubt, seen the barricades and temporary fencing along the bridges over the narrows of the river they must cross in order to access the area.
Township Administrator Don Guardian said the work on the bridges is “interim repair work,” rather than any permanent project that would take the bridges out of commission.
“Long-term they are also working on plans to replace both spans,” explained Guardian. “We do not have a time frame on the bridge replacements since we assume the state would use the Herflicker/Water Street project during the bridge replacement.”
In the same area as the bridges, preparations have been made to demolish the former Red Carpet Motel, which was condemned by the township following years of police activity and nuisance complaints arising from the property.
The plans and specifications for the demolition are complete, Guardian said, however the township is still waiting for its permit from the state Department of Transportation before the wrecking ball can begin flying.
The permit was submitted about 20 days ago and the state has 45 days to respond, said Guardian, so it is expected that may seek bids for the demolition in a few weeks.
“If the project is out on the street towards the end of April, I would say we would be receiving bids and awarding in early May,” said Guardian. “From that point it would probably be [a] 60 day project.”
