The Preliminary Engineering of the Ocean Drive Upgrades and Bridge Replacement is proceeding on schedule, with anticipated completion of the deliverables, including the Environmental Document, by December 2027. To date, the following tasks have been completed or initiated: Roadway Alignment The alignment of the proposed roadway and bridges, as presented in the Preliminary Preferred Alternative, has been verified and is being refined. The general alignment remains unchanged from the concept layout. A roundabout is proposed at the westerly approach to the proposed Middle Thorofare Bridge in lieu of a signalized intersection. A mid-block pedestrian crossing is proposed at the location of the proposed culvert at Lower Thorofare. A raised crosswalk will be designed to calm traffic at this location, as it will provide recreational access for fishing and crabbing. A speed study and traffic counts have been completed, and the design speed of the proposed corridor has been established. A shared-use path will be incorporated into the design and will be located on the north side of Ocean Drive to provide pedestrian and bicycle access along the corridor. The current design effort is focusing on either reinforced earth slope stabilization or retaining walls to retain roadway side slope fill. These measures are necessary to minimize impacts to adjacent wetlands, as the proposed roadway will be approximately four to five feet above the existing roadway elevation. Bridge Design The preliminary design of the bridges is advancing, including the layout of the proposed piers for the Middle Thorofare Bridge. A follow-up Navigation Impact Report (NIR) has been completed and submitted to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), confirming that the proposed 80-foot vertical clearance and 80-foot horizontal clearance of the main span remain valid. Bridge beam types and spans will be formalized as Preliminary Engineering advances. The bridges are proposed to consist of precast concrete members due to the corrosive marine environment. A geotechnical soil borings contract will advance over the coming months to allow borings necessary for the design of the bridge foundations and pavement section. Rail bridge lighting was investigated but determined not to be a permitted light source under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards. As a result, pole-mounted lighting will be designed. Utility and Survey Initial utility coordination has been completed, and all utility owners have been contacted. Utility locations have been confirmed through mark-out, survey, and plan review. Several utility companies have expressed interest in expanding or relocating facilities as part of the project. The topographic survey of the project has been completed. Environmental A series of environmental studies and reports have been completed and submitted to regulatory authorities. The Area of Potential Impacts has been defined, and properties of historical significance have been identified. Wetland boundaries have been delineated, and permit submission is pending. A joint field meeting with environmental regulators was held over the summer, and the project was received favorably by stakeholders. Submission of environmental permits will proceed as part of the Preliminary Engineering phase. The State of New Jersey environmental division will assist with permit coordination on behalf of the County. Public Outreach A meeting was held in October with one of the principal stakeholders along the project route to discuss project impacts. The project was well received, and stakeholder concerns and suggestions were evaluated. It is anticipated that a Public Information Center will be held in April or May 2026 to allow the public to review design progress and provide feedback.