TOMS RIVER: An earlier crash at the state’s only at-grade cloverleaf intersection closes roadways. Earlier tonight a motor vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Hooper (CR 549) @ Bay (CR 571) near the Ocean County Mall. The impact of the crash took down one full-size traffic signal stanchion, and narrowly missed the mobile billboard. Ironically this was the OCPO mobile billboard used to promote awareness of Drunk Driving. It featured the picture of Kimberly Smith Ames who was killed 20+ years ago with her unborn child, by a drunk driver.

At this time we have no further information about this crash- and DWI may or may not have been a factor this time. We will update when more details become available.

The intersection should be avoided if possible as some ramps are closed. Use caution- and remember to proceed with caution when flashing yellow, and full stop on flashing red. Ocean County Engineering is on scene preparing to make repairs. An entire new traffic light stanchion with actual signals needs to be rebuilt and installed. This will take time to assemble a crew at 10:00 PM on a Holiday Friday.

Ocean County roadways are off to a sad start for this rainy beginning January 1, 2021. Be safe everyone!

-Stay Alert- Stay Alive!