DOT shifting traffic for the Haskell

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced a traffic management plan on July 26 to help accommodate tens of thousands of horse racing enthusiasts expected to descend upon Oceanport this Sunday for the 2012 Haskell Invitational, the largest attended race of the year at Monmouth Park.

The Department is advising motorists in the Oceanport area to expect traffic delays on Sunday, July 29 as a result of the race, with  traffic conditions expected to  worsen in the evening with large crowds existing the racetrack  following the completion of the last race around 6:20 p.m.

Highway lane closures and ramp restrictions have been planned to facilitate safe and efficient access to and from the racetrack, as well as throughout the community and neighboring areas. The traffic plan was developed in close coordination with law enforcement officials from Oceanport, West Long Branch, Eatontown and Tinton Falls, as well as the New Jersey State Police.

Oceanport Avenue, between Port Au Peck Avenue and the Main Gate of Monmouth Park, will be closed to all vehicle traffic to provide safe accommodation for the large pedestrian flow in and out of Monmouth Park. Based on situational awareness decisions to be made at the scene, the following additional traffic management measures could be implemented:

• The Route 36 north and southbound left turn-lanes at Oceanport Avenue and the Route 36 northbound right lane by the race track exit gate are expected to be closed to traffic at 6 p.m.
• The Route 36 jughandle ramps at the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission entrance intersection will be closed at approximately 3 p.m.
• Port Au Peck Avenue could be closed to through traffic between Myrtle Avenue and East Main Street from approximately 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All lane closures are planned to help vacate Monmouth Park at the conclusion of the event and to keep traffic moving with minimal delays on Route 36 and the surrounding roadways. Message signs will be utilized to provide traffic information and updates to motorists on the major local highways and the Garden State Parkway.