Some of us may remember when Cross Street was a quiet country road on the outskirts of Lakewood. Not anymore. Cross Street is now a major thoroughfare through Lakewood, providing access for many to and from Jackson and Toms River.

Last week, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the widening of Cross Street.

“An Ordinance authorizing the Reconstruction and Widening of Cross Street – Phase I (East), located in the Township of Lakewood, in the County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, and appropriating $2,500,000.00 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $2,375,000.00 in Bonds or Bond Anticipation Notes of the County of Ocean to finance the same,” the board wrote in their resolution which TLS has obtained complete copies of.

The project is slated to be completed in two phases. The widening will result in a 52-foot wide roadway with three continuous lanes. This will consist of a center turning lane, with a travel lane plus a shoulder in each direction. Additionally, all intersections will be designed and constructed with a 5-lane geometry, which will provide for additional turning lanes and traffic capacity at all intersections. The first stage will lay the groundwork for the future additional widening of Cross Street in Lakewood from Route 9 to Jackson Township in accordance with the adopted Ocean County Master Plan.

Many local residents have been calling for this move by the county, which will no doubt improve travel in the area.