The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has scheduled a public hearing for next week on the massive $509 million Garden State Parkway overhaul previously reported by Lakewood Alerts.

The hearing will be held Wednesday, September 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ocean County Library’s Toms River Branch, located at 101 Washington Street.

The project covers approximately 5.7 miles of the Garden State Parkway, from milepost 78.8 to 84.5, and includes major changes to several exits serving Toms River and surrounding Ocean County communities.

Plans include a new southbound entrance ramp and northbound exit ramp at Interchange 80, relocation of the southbound exit ramp at Interchange 81, and new collector-distributor roadways serving Interchanges 81, 82 and 82A.

The project is also designed to reduce dangerous weaving movements, improve traffic flow and add upgraded travel lanes and shoulders. Construction is currently expected to begin in 2027.

Newly released project information also shows that approximately 36 acres of forested land would be affected by the work. The Turnpike Authority has prepared a compensatory reforestation plan as part of the proposal.

Members of the public will be able to review the plans and provide comments during the September 16 hearing. Written comments on the overall Parkway improvement project will be accepted through October 1, while comments related to the reforestation plan will remain open through November 15.

As Lakewood Alerts previously reported, the $509 million project would bring major changes to several Garden State Parkway exits in Ocean County.