Government

Washington Street’s Latest Repairs Should Include Repaving, Officials Say

by
Daniel Nee
May 1, 2023

Roadwork along Washington Street, Toms River, N.J., April 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Months after a large portion of Washington Street in Toms River was repaved after motorists complained of large pot-holes and ragged pavement, the street is being dug up again. That has raised some questions among residents as to whether the street will be returned to its freshly-paved state or revert back to a shocks-busting, teeth-rattling ride.

The street was left in poor condition after openings by Veolia, the commercial water company that serves Toms River. It was later scheduled for sewerage and drainage work on the part of the Ocean County Utilities Authority. After the water company completed its work, the road began to deteriorate. The water company repaved small portions of the roadway, but the rest continued to plague motorists.

The work currently being completed along the county-owned roadway is under the authority of the Ocean County Utilities Authority, but county engineering officials said they were aware the road would be, potentially, opened by another county division before they authorized the paving.

Roadwork along Washington Street, Toms River, N.J., April 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill described a recent conversation he had with county engineer John Ernst.

“He knew he’d have to repair it, but they were just getting so many complaints that he felt it had to be done,” said Hill.

Now that the road is being opened again, officials expect a full repaving in those three portions: two south of the 7-Eleven store, and one near the Toms River Country Club.

“He knew he’d have to go back and cut in three areas, but they’re going to mill and pave, if they have to, in those areas,” Hill said. “They are going to go back and pave those areas.”