The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently awarded a contract for upgrades and improvements to a busy intersection in Lakewood.

​“We anticipate getting work underway in the New Year at the intersection of Oberlin and Cedar Bridge avenues,” said Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Kelly, who serves as co-chair to the Ocean County Office of Engineering.

​The work will include adding dedicated left turn lanes on Oberlin Avenue and Cedar Bridge Avenue along with upgrading the traffic signal at the intersection. The project also includes pedestrian safety upgrades along with new crossings to assist the handicapped and disabled.

​“This intersection is a high traffic volume areaespecially because of its proximity to the Lakewood Industrial Park,” said Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines, who also serves as co-chair of the Office of Engineering. “It’s important we provide the necessary improvements so our motorists and pedestrians have a safer driving and walking experience.”

​A timeline for the project is being developed.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded a contract to Jersey Construction Inc., in the amount of $1,156,846 during the Board’s Dec. 19 meeting. The project is contingent on state Department of Transportation approval. Ocean County will received federal funding for nearly 100 percent of the project and construction inspection.