WHEN OCEAN COUNTY and Lakewood officials gathered recently to celebrate the opening of a new turning lane along the length of Cross Street, they were careful to say that the upgrade was only the first in a series of improvements slated to be completed over the next three years.

"Cross Street is a vital artery in Lakewood Township – the fastest growing community in the state," said John P. Kelly, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. "The Board recognizes the need to fund further improvements and we expect the next phase of work to begin next year."

Next on deck is the widening of the entire roadway to four travel lanes and the installation of new and upgraded traffic signals.

A traffic light will be installed at the Intersection of Cross Street and Prospect Street. The signal is expected to be operational by the fall of 2026.

Also in 2026, upgraded traffic signals will be installed at James Street/Franklin Avenue and Cross Street and East Veterans Highway (CR 528) and Cross Street.

A new signal will be added at White Road and Cross Street.

At the same time, work will begin on adding two new travel lanes to the roadway. The dualization should be completed by the end of 2027.

"By the time the construction project is completed, Cross Street will have four traffic lanes and a turning lane along its entire length from Route 9 west to County Route 528," Kelly said.

Prior to the installation of the turn lane, Cross Street was a two-lane roadway for its entire 1.5-mile length.

Kelly said he is confident the improvements will keep vehicles move along Cross Street for decades to come.

"This project is designed for the traffic that is there today, tomorrow and into the future," said he said. "Ultimately the completed improvements should help us maintain traffic on this road for many years."