To reduce congestion along one of the Northeast’s busiest summer travel corridors, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority advanced an 18‑mile widening of the Garden State Parkway between Barnegat and Toms River. The improvements expanded the roadway from two to three lanes in each direction, creating a safer and more reliable connection to and from the New Jersey shore. STV provided resident engineering and construction inspection services for the $127 million program, supporting a complex series of bridge, roadway and tolling upgrades across Ocean County.
What challenges did STV address?
The project required maintaining toll collection and utility services while widening an active interstate‑class corridor with heavy seasonal traffic. Coordinating relocations for electric, natural gas, telephone, sewer, water and fiber-optic lines required continuous communication with multiple utility owners. The work also included replacing 10 bridges and reconstructing the Barnegat Toll Plaza, including new Express E-ZPass systems, all of which had to be delivered with minimal disruption to travelers.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV oversaw culvert extensions, bridge replacements, toll plaza construction and installation of new sign structures. The team managed contract administration, maintained daily inspection records, reviewed construction schedules and ensured all roadway and tolling elements met performance requirements. STV coordinated with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the New Jersey State Police to maintain toll collection and traffic flow throughout the program.
How does this project benefit the community?
The widened Parkway reduces congestion, improves travel time reliability and enhances safety for residents, commuters and visitors heading to and from the Jersey shore. Updated tolling operations and new structures support long‑term capacity and operational efficiency.
Key stats and accolades
- 18 miles of freeway widened
- 10 bridge replacements
- New Express E‑ZPass tolling operations
- 9 utilities relocated and maintained during construction
