NJDOT advises drivers of work on Route 36 HAZLET - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will begin work next week to replace the Route 36 culvert over the Flat Creek and improve drainage in Hazlet and Union Beach, Monmouth County. "Replacing this culvert will reduce flooding and improve the local quality of life for residents in northern Monmouth County," Commissioner Kris Kolluri said in a press release. "Route 36 is a designated coastal evacuation route, and NJDOT is working closely with Monmouth County officials to mitigate flooding on this important stretch of roadway." Starting Monday, the NJDOT will alleviate flooding by replacing the existing culvert over the Flat Creek with a larger structure. The roadway will be raised about five feet at the culvert and will slope down to the existing grade over a length of 1,100 feet. A drainage area will be created at the southwest side of the bridge in order to store floodwater during heavier storm events. The area of Route 36 surrounding Flat Creek floods several times a year, resulting in the closure of Route 36 and detouring of traffic to local roadways. The new culvert bridge will help alleviate these problems, according to the release. The $10 million project will be constructed in stages in order to mitigate traffic impacts upon local residents and businesses. Although two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction on Route 36 during most of the construction schedule, temporary single lane closures will be necessary NJDOT scheduled the following lane closures on Route 36: • The eastbound right lane and shoulder will close at 9 p.m. on Nov. 9 and reopen by 6 a.m. on Nov. 10. • Starting Nov. 11, the NJDOT will close the left lane and shoulder on Route 36 eastbound from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. These overnight closures will continue for approximately two weeks. • Beginning Nov. 18, the NJDOT will temporarily close the westbound left lane and shoulder on Route 36 westbound from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. These overnight closures will continue for approximately two weeks. The NJDOT installed variable message signs to inform motorists of upcoming construction and traffic pattern changes. Real time traffic information is also available at www.njcommuter.com.