County plans work on Rt. 571 JACKSON — A hill in Route 571 just east of Bowman Road will soon be history, as Ocean County gets ready to start a road reconstruction project in the area. The Ocean County Board of Freehold-ers was expected to award a $2.7 million contract to Bil-Jim Construction Co. Inc., Jackson, during its regular meeting on Feb. 15. In addition to lowering the hill by about 3 feet to improve site distance, the work includes widening about three-quarters of a mile of Route 571 (also known as Toms River Road) and excavating existing road materials and replacing them with new, stronger materials to improve the road surface, according to a press release. Route 571 will remain one lane in each direction. “Increased truck traffic in the area has caused a great deal of wear and tear on this road surface,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Engineering Department. “This project will provide a better road surface and will give drivers a safer road to travel on.” The work could begin in early spring and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Ocean County Engineer Ronald A. Lotrecchio said the project will include properly aligning Lakehurst Avenue with Route 571 to improve the traveling public’s safety at that intersection. Lotrecchio said that during the work, trucks will be detoured from the area while cars will use a single alternating lane. He said the hill will be lowered one-half at a time. “This may be a small area but the work that will take place here is extensive,” said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Road Depart-ment. “We think the motorists will be pleased with the results.” Lotrecchio said a left turn slot also will be added to Bowman Road and some storm drainage work will be performed. “This work is just a small portion of the 10-mile project to reconstruct and resurface all of Route 571,” said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little. “We anticipate all of the work on Route 571 to be completed in another two years.”