A $12 million transportation project is set to improve safety and mobility along Cedar Bridge Avenue (County Route 528) in Lakewood Township, spanning from South Clifton Avenue to Airport Road.

The county-led project, funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, targets one of Ocean County’s busiest and most critical roadways. Cedar Bridge Avenue serves major commercial areas, community facilities, and key regional travel connections, and has long been the focus of serious safety concerns.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s 2023 network screening list, the corridor ranked highest in Ocean County for pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns and second overall for corridor safety concerns.

“This project addresses longstanding safety issues along a vital corridor for our residents and visitors,” said Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director Frank Sadeghi, co-liaison to the Ocean County Engineering Department. “These improvements will help reduce crashes and create safer options for people walking and biking throughout Lakewood Township.”

Planned improvements include upgraded traffic signals at six intersections and the construction of a shared-use path to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Additional enhancements will include widened shoulders, high-visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps, and improved roadway lighting.

“The project builds on safety improvements completed along other portions of Cedar Bridge Avenue in 2015 and 2017 and will allow the county to fully implement recommendations from a 2014 road safety audit,” said Ocean County Commissioner Ray Gormley, also a co-liaison to the Ocean County Engineering Department. “Upgrading Cedar Bridge Avenue will benefit everyone who lives, works, and travels through Ocean County.”

Preliminary design work is expected to begin in summer 2026. Ocean County will oversee the project in cooperation with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and Lakewood Township officials.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners said the project reflects the county’s continued commitment to improving roadway safety while planning for future growth, emphasizing that investments in proven safety improvements and modern infrastructure are essential to protecting residents, supporting local communities, and ensuring the county’s transportation network meets the needs of all users.