Ortley Beach Oceanfront Barricades to be Removed Soon

As Toms River continues to restore its oceanfront area in Ortley Beach, barricades that have prevented vehicular travel along the beach in much of the neighborhood will be removed soon.

“Superstorm Sandy essentially wiped out most of the utility poles in the beachfront section of town and crews have wrapped up their work on the municipal part of the boardwalk,” said Toms River Township Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher.

Part of the boardwalk was restored for last summer and beach access was open at Third Avenue. This year, the entire township-owned boardwalk will be open along with all of its beaches.

As part of the overall sprucing up of the area, the township decided to install "Colonial" style light posts instead of traditional street lights. According to JCP&L, the lights are now fully operational.

“This means that we can begin to take down the barricades that are blocking access on Ocean Terrace & Ocean Avenues," said Kelaher. "Without the utility poles, it was so dark in that area of town that it was unsafe at night."

The upgraded lights were done in an effort to make the area more aesthetically pleasing and to enhance the look of the beachfront area, said Bob Chankalian, township engineer. The new lights also require fewer wires.

There is a small area around the Lord House, on Third and Ocean avenues, that is temporarily closed as construction crews complete the Lifeguard House and install new railings. But all of that work is expected to be completed by Memorial Day, officials said.