TOMS RIVER – Work to install a new traffic signal to help safely guide pedestrians across Hooper Avenue in the County seat in downtown Toms River is now complete.

"This signal and the creation of the crosswalk by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office are all part of the steps we are taking to provide safer access to the Ocean County Courthouse and the Ocean County government buildings that line Hooper Avenue," said Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Engineering. "We needed to make these changes to this section of Hooper Avenue to create a safer traveling environment and to accommodate the construction of the new Ocean County Justice Complex annex."

In addition to the recent installation of a Jersey barrier down the center of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue, a new traffic signal located by 119 Hooper Avenue has been installed in order to alert motorists of a crosswalk created for pedestrians. The signal can be changed by pedestrians by pushing a button on the sidewalk. Signage has been installed with instructions.

"These changes effect both motorists and pedestrians," Kelly noted.

The pedestrian crosswalk over Hooper Avenue which connects the Ocean County Parking Garage to the Ocean County Justice Complex will be closed beginning Sept. 25 now that the traffic signal and crosswalk has been installed.

Pedestrians can also cross Hooper Avenue at the signalized crosswalks at the corner of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue and at Madison Avenue at Hooper Avenue.

The two traveling lanes in each direction of Hooper Avenue from Washington Street to Madison Avenue were decreased to one lane traveling north and one lane traveling south and the speed limit was reduced to 25 miles per hour. The outer lanes of Hooper Avenue were barricaded off from vehicle traffic.

As part of the work, the Hooper Avenue entrance into the Ocean County Administration Complex at 101 Hooper Avenue is also now closed to motorists. Parking for County services and other downtown areas can be accessed from Washington Street or Hadley Avenue.

Kelly noted the changes will be in effect until the new justice complex annex is completed.

"We have a significant number of people using the various government buildings each day in downtown Toms River, whether it's the Administration Building, the Ocean County Courthouse, the Justice Complex, and a host of others," Kelly said. "It's imperative that we make these changes to improve safety in the area for both motorists and pedestrians while construction work is under way.

"We urge everyone working or visiting the downtown area to adhere to these changes," Kelly said. "Safety is of the utmost importance and we need everyone to be vigilant of the changes."