Updated Traffic Alert: Route 37 Bridge Lanes Reopened After Construction Ties Up Morning Traffic

2 p.m. update: State DOT confirms all lanes are open as scheduled construction is over for the day. Lane closures are expected later in the week, but DOT officials have yet to determine the exact hours of the new traffic pattern during repairs for the bridge.

As of noon today:

Traffic is backed up on Route 37 eastbound as scheduled construction on the Mathis Bridge to Seaside closes lanes on the popular span.

A more than 20 minute delay starting west of the Fischer Boulevard intersection with Route 37 is expected, with state Department of Transportation construction scheduled through 3 p.m. today.

The right and center lanes were closed this morning, according to traffic reports. Drivers must merge to the left lane over the Route 37 bridge leaving Toms River toward Seaside Heights.

The construction is part of an of the bridge.

State DOT Spokesperson Tim Greeley said the work was put among the top of the list of local repair work.

"We have some high-priority bridge beam work taking place on the Route 37 eastbound Mathis bridge," Greeley said in an email.

"As of around 9 a.m. this morning we have had the right and center lane closed for these operations.  We are seeing a 20 minute or so delay heading east on Route 37 as only one lane is open to traffic.  The work, and the double lane closure, is expected to run through 3 p.m. today."

Greeley urged those using the area's roads to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.