State to Spend $40 Million to Improve Parkway in Tinton Falls

The state will spend an estimated $40 million to reconfigure the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls to accommodate visitors to Fort Monmouth anticipated following the closing of the U.S. Army installation in September, the Christie administration announced Thursday.

Capital funds from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will fund the project that will add new ramps from the southbound parkway to Wayside Avenue and signage in both directions at Exit 105. The project also includes improving the intersection of Hope Road and Route 36, which is an area plagued by congestion and traffic delays, according to a release.

“This project will benefit existing residents and businesses with improved access to the Parkway and provide capacity that will help the mixed-use Fort Monmouth redevelopment plan achieve its full potential,” said Turnpike Chairman and Transportation Commissioner James Simpson.

The project, which is included in the Authority’s 10-year, $7 billion capital program, will improve traffic flow in the vicinity and provide better access to the western portion of the fort and potentially add value to the property, according to the release. Construction on the new exit and Hope Road improvements could start in 2013.

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) has created a 20-year plan to redevelop the 1,126-acre post, which provides for commercial and residential development as well as open space. FMERA is charged with the Fort Monmouth redevelopment effort and the creation of jobs.

The Turnpike Authority has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to pre-qualified engineering firms that might be interested in designing the project. Proposals are due in May, with a design contract expected to be awarded in July.