Motorists asked to follow Drum Point Rd. detours

Rainy spring weather has already slowed down construction on Drum Point Road in Brick Township and Ocean County officials are asking motorists to carefully follow all detour warnings near the location.

“The weather certainly has not helped us,” said Frank S. Scarantino, Ocean County director of engineering. “We’ve already been substantially delayed by all the rain.”

Crews are installing new drainage and resurfacing Drum Point Road between Hooper Avenue and Adamston Road.

The work means the road will be closed during construction with traffic routed onto nearby streets.

After construction began last week, Scarantino said his office worked closely with the Brick Township Police Department to alleviate the traffic backups seen during the first days of work.

“We’ve made some refinements that have already resulted in fewer traffic problems in the area,” Scarantino said. “Our main concern is to keep the road safe for everyone and finish the work as quickly as possible.”

Detours are posted at both the Adamston Road and Hooper Avenue intersections with Drum Point Road. Traffic is being diverted onto Mantoloking Road while the work continues.

Local residents and motorists trying to reach businesses along the detour route are asked to pay special attention to computerized message boards at each end of the closed roadway.

“We have daily updates notifying motorists exactly where the work will be done that day,” said Ocean County Engineer Ronald A. Lotrecchio. Those drivers needing access to Drum Point Road will be allowed through, but the construction will make it impossible for motorists to travel the entire length of the road.”

Only emergency vehicles, school buses, garbage trucks and mail trucks will have access to the entire stretch of Drum Point Road, Lotrecchio added.

Other local traffic can use Church Road to access portions of Drum Point Road.

“Church Road will be used for local and business traffic only. All other vehicles will be diverted to Adamston Road and Hooper Avenue to Mantoloking Road,” he said.

Temporary traffic signals have been installed on Mantoloking Road at Adamston and Church roads to help the flow of traffic. Brick police officers are also stationed at each intersection during the morning and afternoon rush hours to help with left turns at both lights.

Police officers are also stationed at each end of Drum Point Road to assist motorists.

“People have to be aware that Drum Point Road will be closed and impassable to traffic,” Scarantino said. “The fastest and safest way to reach your destination is to read the message boards and follow the detours,” he said.

Besides referring to the message boards, motorists can call the Ocean County Department of Engineering at (732) 929-2130 for daily traffic updates on the project.