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64-519: The bridge provides views of Barnegat Bay , Little Egg Harbor Bay and the Atlantic City skyline, less than 25 miles (40 km) away. The main span of the Manahawkin Bay Bridge sports a unique roadway lighting system, unofficially dubbed the "String of Pearls", was designed by NJDOT engineer Dorland J. Henderson; the bridge was officially named after him in 2000. The lighting system, which

128-588: A blockhouse along the river that housed the colonial militia and captured Captain Joshua Huddy , who was later hanged at Sandy Hook . Also destroyed were the salt works and most of the houses in the village. The incident greatly complicated the tense relationship between the British, loyalists, and colonists, and was a factor in prolonging the peace negotiations that were then in progress in Paris until 1783. Dover Township

192-505: A complete $ 350 million overhaul of the bridge to include a second parallel span to be built just south of the existing span. The new span will include wider shoulders, a bike lane, and a sidewalk for pedestrians. The work will be spread out over four stages. The contract for the first stage, construction of the new span alongside the old one, was awarded in spring 2013, with construction starting in May 2013, lasting through 2020. Future stages include

256-514: A low risk. Middle Sedge Island in Barnegat Bay is a 25-acre (0.10 km ) island, 14 acres (0.057 km ) of which are developed with a single house. Other islands include: Little Sedge Island, Northwest Point Island and Marsh Elder Island. Some are privately owned and some are owned by the state of New Jersey. Frankie Valli ’s song " My Eyes Adored You " references the location in the lyrics saying "... over Barnegat Bridge and Bay...". In

320-502: A vital coastal evacuation route in the case of a hurricane , the rapidly deteriorating condition of the bridge was of serious concern. From 2009 to 2010, NJDOT completed a rehabilitation of the deck surface to extend the life of the existing bridge. This project was completed at a cost of $ 5.5 million and financed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act . From 2010 to 2012, NJDOT completed reviews, design, and planning for

384-531: Is 70 miles (110 km) south of Manhattan and 55 miles (89 km) east of Philadelphia . While most of Toms River is on the mainland, Dover Beaches North and South are situated on the Barnegat Peninsula , a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Dover Beaches South adjoins the independent municipalities of Lavallette to the north and Seaside Heights to

448-689: Is located in Downtown Toms River and is host to a replica constructed in 1931 of the Revolutionary War fort that was once standing near the site. The town played host to a short skirmish during the Revolution in which Captain Joshua Huddy was captured by a group of Loyalists while defending the Toms River Blockhouse and hanged without trial. The trail of Captain Huddy can be followed throughout

512-439: Is made up of 768 separate fluorescent lights recessed in the bridge's side guard rails , was the first of its kind in the world. After being in continuous operation since the 1950s, replacement parts for the lighting system have become unavailable, rendering many of the fluorescent bulbs dark and irreplaceable. The original, fluorescent "String of Pearls" lighting system is being replaced by a modern LED lighting system mimicking

576-594: Is one of 11 municipalities in Ocean County that are part of the Toms River watershed . Toms River has a humid subtropical climate , with significant rainfall throughout the year. The Köppen climate classification of the area is Cfa . The township was severely affected by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Many low-lying areas of the township, including Silverton and the downtown area, saw their worst flooding ever when

640-705: Is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway , entered on its north end by the Point Pleasant Canal and connecting on the south end with Little Egg Harbor via the small Manahawkin Bay . In a broader sense, Barnegat Bay is sometimes considered to stretch to the south end of Long Beach Island and to include Little Egg Harbor. Three bridges span the bay from the mainland to the peninsula: the Mantoloking Bridge from Brick Township to Mantoloking , and

704-548: The 2000 United States census there were 89,706 people, 33,510 households, and 24,428 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,189.5 inhabitants per square mile (845.4/km ). There were 41,116 housing units at an average density of 1,003.5 per square mile (387.5/km ). The racial makeup of the township was 93.57% White , 1.75% African American , 0.13% Native American , 2.46% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.95% from other races , and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.54% of

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768-627: The Atlantic Ocean , approximately 42 miles (68 km) long, along the coast of Ocean County , New Jersey in the United States . It is separated from the Atlantic by the long Island Beach State Park (colloquially called a " barrier island "), as well as by the north end of Long Beach Island , popular segments of the Jersey Shore . The bay is fed by several small rivers, including the Toms River ,

832-531: The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park . The area surrounding Barnegat Bay and Barnegat Inlet was described by Henry Hudson , in 1609, as "... a great lake of water, as we could judge it to be ... The mouth of the lake hath many shoals, and the sea breaketh on them as it is cast out of the mouth of it." The bay was originally named in 1614 "Barendegat," or "Inlet of the Breakers," by Dutch explorers of

896-691: The Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law) under the Mayor-Council form of New Jersey municipal government. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and seven-member Township Council. The council includes four members who each represent one of four wards of the township and three who are chosen at-large . The mayor and

960-744: The Thomas A. Mathis and J. Stanley Tunney Bridges from Toms River to Ortley Beach. The Barnegat Division of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge comprises wetlands along the inner southern part of the bay. Along the outside of the bay, on the peninsula, is the Island Beach State Park . Various islands within the bay are a part of the National Wildlife Refuge or the Sedge Islands State Wildlife Management Area. The northern tip of Long Beach Island includes

1024-505: The Township of Dover , voters in a 2006 referendum approved a change of the official name to the Township of Toms River , adopting the name of the largest unincorporated community within the township. The township is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the New York metropolitan area , and a regional commercial hub in central New Jersey . As of the 2020 United States census , the township

1088-535: The ZIP Codes 08753, 08754, 08755, 08756, 08757, and 08739. Ortley Beach (Dover Beaches South) shares ZIP Code 08751 with Seaside Heights . Manchester does not have its own post office, and parts of Manchester use a Toms River mailing address under ZIP Code 08757. Toms River borders the Ocean County municipalities of Berkeley Township , Brick , Island Heights , Jackson , Lakewood , Lavallette , Manchester , Seaside Heights , and South Toms River . The township

1152-549: The storm surge overwhelmed the Barnegat Bay up and down the Jersey Shore. The barrier islands, just across the bridge, suffered even worse devastation from the storm surge brought by the hurricane. Extremes range from a record high of 105 °F on both July 19, 1999, and August 9, 1896, to a low of −24 °F on January 16, 1988. The 2010 United States census counted 91,239 people, 34,760 households, and 24,367 families in

1216-466: The "String of Pearls" effect on the north and south exterior faces of the rehabilitated and new bridge spans, respectively. However, unlike the original, the new side rail lights will be for ornamental purposes as the roadway itself will be lit by traditional overhead lighting. In time for Memorial Day weekend 2016, the new lighting system on the south exterior face of the new bridge was illuminated. The north face will not be illuminated until restoration of

1280-407: The "Tom" in "Toms River" was for Thomas Luker, who ran a ferry across Goose Creek (now the Toms River ). During the 19th century, Toms River became a center for shipbuilding, whaling, fishing, and iron and lumber production. The settlement and the river were usually spelled "Tom's River" in its early days, though its current spelling has been standard since the middle of the 19th century. Located in

1344-601: The 1990s when their Little League Baseball team, nicknamed "Beast from the East", competed in the Little League World Series three times in five years. The team won in 1998 , after defeating Japan by a score of 12–9. More than 40,000 people lined Route 37 for a parade following their victory. Toms River Little League made it back to the 2010 World Series , giving the town its record fourth Mid-Atlantic championship, returning as regional runners-up in 2021. In 2022,

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1408-475: The 1996–2000 period indicated that while there were more cancer cases than expected, rates had significantly fallen and the difference was statistically insignificant compared to normal statewide cancer rates. Since 1996, the Toms River water system has been subject to the most stringent water testing in the state and is considered safe for consumption. Dan Fagin 's Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation ,

1472-483: The 2014 Pulitzer Prize winning book, examined the issue of industrial pollution in detail. "Toms River" at one time referred only to the rural farming community of Toms River, a small part of the vast Township of Dover that included several other distinct settlements. With the United States Postal Service 's adoption of Toms River mailing addresses for Dover Township, coupled with demographic changes in

1536-555: The Barnegat Bay area for over two decades, protecting over 1,100 acres (4.5 km ) of land. The Trust recently began the new River to Bay Greenway, the primary goal of which is to create a 70-mile (110 km) multi-use recreational route across southern New Jersey from the Delaware River to Barnegat Bay. In the 2000s and 2010s, scientists and residents have drawn attention to fish kills, algal blooms , low dissolved oxygen levels, loss of habitat, diminishing clam populations, and

1600-651: The Forked River, the Metedeconk River , Cedar Creek, Oyster Creek, Mill Creek, Westecunk Creek, and Tuckerton Creek, all of which empty into the bay through small estuaries along its inner shore. The communities of Toms River , Silverton , and Forked River sit along the river estuaries on the bay. The bay connects with the ocean through the Barnegat Inlet , along which sits the Barnegat Lighthouse . The bay

1664-838: The John Bennett Athletic Center. A 3,204-seat multi-use center was opened to the public in 2004, attached to Toms River High School North. The sports, music, and convention center has gone by a number of different names, including: the Ritacco Center, Poland Spring Arena, and Pine Belt Arena. The facility has hosted the NJSIAA boys and girls basketball Tournament of Champions, WWE NXT Live!, and musical acts in association with Toms River Fest , including: Gavin DeGraw , Daughtry , Avril Lavigne , Carrie Underwood , Meat Loaf , and Joan Jett , among others. The building also serves as

1728-521: The Ocean County Mall. It is home to the corporate headquarters of EGM Green, as well as the headquarters for OceanFirst Bank. The RWJBarnabas Health Arena (formerly Pine Belt Arena), a 3,500-seat public arena connected to Toms River High School North , is used for concerts, sporting events, and some small local events throughout the year to raise money for the school district. Starting in January 2018,

1792-604: The Toms River Little Indians taking titles in 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, and 2005–2009. The Toms River Raiders won the Division 1 Jr., Pee Wee football title in 1996. Known locally as "The Bubble", the center is one of three indoor athletic complex's in Ocean County and one of the largest in New Jersey. It is located just south of Intermediate School East, and named after John Bennet, TRSD superintendent from 1960 to 1977. It

1856-514: The United States of 371 cities nationwide. Much of the early history of the settlement of Toms River is obscured by conflicting stories. Various sources list the eponym of the township as either English captain William Tom, or farmer and ferryman Thomas Luker. In 1992, as part of celebrations commemorating the township's 225th anniversary, official recognition was granted to the tradition that

1920-621: The area. Over the years, confusion over the name of the township had become an issue for many residents. A movement organized around the Dover Township Name Change Committee, founded by Mayor Paul Brush and supported by the Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, collected signatures to put a name change question on the ballot in November 2006. On Election Day, November 7, 2006, over 60% of residents voted to approve changing

1984-401: The average family size was 3.09. In the township the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males. The median income for a household in

Manahawkin Bay Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue

2048-504: The bay has been degraded by pollution in the rivers and creeks that feed it. The preservation of the bay's water quality has been an ongoing effort of several public and private organizations. The bay was immortalized by the famous writer E. B. White , who used it as a setting for his short story "The Family That Dwelt Apart", published in 1937 as the third story in his long running Preposterous Parables series in The New Yorker . It

2112-500: The coastline, referring to the waterway's turbulent channel. During the American Revolutionary War , the bay was used as refuge by American privateers . The bay has been a longtime center for commercial fishing . The village of Toms River was a significant whaling port in the 19th century. While still popular for fishing, Barnegat Bay has also become a popular destination for recreational boating. The water quality of

2176-472: The core of the original village on the north side remains part of the wider township to this day. Portions of the township were taken to form Jackson Township (March 6, 1844), Union Township (March 10, 1846, now Barnegat Township ), Brick Township (February 15, 1850), Manchester Township (April 6, 1865), Berkeley Township (March 31, 1875), Island Heights (May 6, 1887), Lavallette (December 21, 1887), and Seaside Heights (February 26, 1913). In

2240-780: The impact of stored radioactive material and thermal pollution at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township. The plant which was built in 1969 was formerly the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States. The plant was decommissioned on September 25, 2018. A 2008 baseline sediment pollution study of 15 locations within Barnegat Bay - Little Egg Harbor area including sites at Mill Creek, Cedar Run, Parker Run measured total petroleum hydrocarbons, mercury , polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). The joint US/UK team of scientists reported that TPH content

2304-526: The increased cancer risk was contamination from Toms River Chemical Plant (then operated by Ciba-Geigy ), which had been in operation since 1952. The area was designated a United States Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site in 1983, after an underground plume of toxic chemicals was identified. The following year, a discharge pipe was shut down after a sinkhole at the corner of Bay Avenue and Vaughn Avenue revealed that it had been leaking. The plant ceased operation in 1996. A follow-up study from

2368-500: The last two decades of the twentieth century, the demographics of the township changed substantially, adding over 20,000 residents just in the 1990s alone. While the village is still the center of municipal and county government, the population in the area exploded in the decades after World War II , due in part to the completion of the Garden State Parkway . Whereas the village was the largest and most densely populated section of

2432-644: The location for HS North graduation ceremonies, with the inaugural event held for the Class of 2004. There are 13 parks located within and maintained by Toms River Township. Two of the newest recreational areas include the Toms River Skatepark, a 7,000 square feet (650 m ) outdoor skatepark completed in 2021, and Field of Dreams Playground, a 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) gated playground opened in 2022 and designed for children with varying physical or developmental disabilities. Joshua Huddy Park, which opened in 1905,

2496-600: The name from the Township of Dover to the Township of Toms River. The name change campaign featured the slogan "Toms River YES", signifying a yes vote for the name change, and the name was officially changed on November 14, 2006. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 52.89 square miles (136.98 km ), including 40.55 square miles (105.03 km ) of land and 12.34 square miles (31.95 km ) of water (23.32%). Toms River

2560-486: The name was officially changed to the "RWJBarnabas Health Arena" after the district signed a five-year deal with RWJBarnabas Health under which the district would be paid a total of $ 637,500 for the naming rights. Toms River Fest was held during the summer in Toms River, bringing many people from in and out of the area, with 25,000 attendees at the 2008 event. Originally planned to be an annual event, it has not been held since 2008. Toms River made national headlines in

2624-404: The original The Amityville Horror movie. In 1998, Toms River East Little League won the Little League World Series . The township has what is said to be the second-largest Halloween parade in the world. In 2006, Toms River was ranked by Morgan Quitno Press as the 15th safest city in the United States, of 369 cities nationwide. In 2007, Toms River was again ranked as the 14th-safest city in

Manahawkin Bay Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue

2688-437: The original bridge is completed. Documented cracks due to metal fatigue have been found in structural members of the bridge. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) had previously taken steps to address the fatigue cracking, including modifying bridge girders and beams with drill stops . The bridge was listed as being structurally deficient in 2004. As the sole access point to/from Long Beach Island and

2752-459: The other sections, those inside and outside began referring to all of mainland Dover Township as Toms River. In the 1990 census , the census-designated place called "Toms River" only included the downtown village area that included fewer than 8,000 residents in 1990. Due to complaints of confusion, the CDP was broadened to include all of mainland Dover Township to better reflect the more common usage for

2816-432: The population were under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 89.6 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

2880-410: The population. There were 33,510 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and

2944-420: The population. Of the 34,760 households, 28.2% had children under the age of 18; 54.4% were married couples living together; 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 29.9% were non-families. Of all households, 25.1% were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.10. 21.3% of

3008-415: The rehabilitation of the existing trestle bridges over the east and west thoroughfares, replacement of the existing span's entire superstructure, and work to improve the connections at both ends of the bridges with local roadways. 39°39′42″N 74°12′09″W  /  39.6616°N 74.2026°W  / 39.6616; -74.2026 Barnegat Bay Barnegat Bay is a small brackish arm of

3072-422: The rise in stinging Chrysaora quinquecirrha (sea nettle jellyfish) populations in the bay, mainly due to high levels of nitrogen from fertilizer runoff. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors the health of the bay by testing at four locations as frequently as once a week in the summer months, when surface water can reach 82 °F (28 °C). Community members have also expressed concern over

3136-432: The second half of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th, many new towns were carved out of Dover Township, including Brick, Jackson, Lakewood, and Berkeley. The Village of Toms River attempted twice—in 1914 and 1926—to secede from Dover Township, but residents were unsuccessful. The part of Toms River on the south side of the river stretching down to Berkeley Township incorporated as South Toms River in 1927, but

3200-495: The seven council members are chosen on a partisan basis as part of the November general election in odd-numbered years to serve four-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with the mayor and three at-large seats elected together and the four ward seats chosen simultaneously two years later. In December 2017, the Township Council appointed Don Guardian , the former Mayor of Atlantic City to replace Paul J. Shives; Guardian

3264-757: The south. Dover Beaches North (2010 Census population of 1,239 ), Dover Beaches South (1,209 ) and Toms River CDP (88,791 ) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Toms River Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Andrew Point, Andrews, Bay Shore, Cattus Island , Cedar Grove, Chadwick, Coates Point, East Dover, Gilford Park, Gilmores Island, Green Island, Long Point, Normandy Beach, Ocean Beach, Ortley Beach, Pelican Island, Pine View, Pleasant Plains, Shelter Cove, Silverton , Tilton Point, West Dover, and White Oak Bottom. Toms River includes

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3328-483: The southern section of the Shrewsbury Township , a royal charter was granted on March 1, 1768, and Dover Township was formed. During the American Revolutionary War , Toms River was home to a strategically important salt works that supplied colonial militias, as well as a base for privateer vessels that plundered British and Tory ships off the coast. In March 1782, a group of British and loyalist soldiers attacked

3392-692: The team again took the New Jersey State title, but lost to Massapequa in the Metro Region championship, in Bristol, Connecticut . Toms River is also home to many National Champion Pop Warner Cheerleading titles, with the Toms River Angels taking home championships in several divisions in 1995, 1998–2003, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2018, and 2019; the Toms River Indians winning in 1999, 2003, and 2007; and

3456-483: The television show The Sopranos , Tony Soprano owns a boat frequently set and docked along Barnegat Bay. Toms River, New Jersey Toms River is a township and coastal town located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Its mainland portion is also a census-designated place of the same name , which serves as the county seat of Ocean County. Formerly known as

3520-414: The town. In 1992, improvements to the park were made to mark the 225th anniversary of the township, during which time Luker Bridge was dedicated, named for Thomas Luker, the 17th century ferryman who is believed to be the river's namesake. In 2017, a $ 1.6 million renovation of the park was completed to commemorate the township's 250th anniversary. Since 2002, Toms River Township has operated within

3584-399: The township for over two centuries, the vast majority of residents now shop and work in other sections of the town. In the mid-1990s, state and federal health and environmental agencies identified an increased incidence of childhood cancers in Toms River from the 1970–1995 period. Multiple investigations by state and federal environmental and health agencies indicated that the likely source of

3648-507: The township was $ 54,776, and the median income for a family was $ 62,561. Males had a median income of $ 47,390 versus $ 30,834 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 25,010. About 4.0% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over. Toms River has many shopping malls including Ocean County Mall (the only enclosed mall in Ocean County ) and Seacourt Pavilion , located across Bay Avenue from

3712-479: The township. The population density was 2,253.5 per square mile (870.1/km ). There were 43,334 housing units at an average density of 1,070.3 per square mile (413.2/km ). The racial makeup was 89.91% (82,035) White , 2.70% (2,465) Black or African American , 0.17% (156) Native American , 3.58% (3,266) Asian , 0.02% (17) Pacific Islander , 1.96% (1,785) from other races , and 1.66% (1,515) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.93% (7,231) of

3776-456: Was the state's eighth-most-populous municipality , with a population of 95,438, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 4,199 (+4.6%) from the 2010 census count of 91,239, which had in turn reflected an increase of 1,533 (+1.7%) from the 89,706 counted in the 2000 census . Toms River is featured in various TV and news media, including MTV 's Made and Jersey Shore (seasons 1, 3, and 5), HBO's Boardwalk Empire , and

3840-418: Was $ 71,934 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 2,094) and the median family income was $ 83,924 (+/− $ 2,842). Males had a median income of $ 59,860 (+/− $ 2,733) versus $ 42,192 (+/− $ 2,081) for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 33,423 (+/− $ 926). About 4.5% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over. As of

3904-499: Was adapted into the animated short The Family That Dwelt Apart , narrated by White, by the National Film Board of Canada . The song " My Eyes Adored You ", by New Jersey native Frankie Valli , contains a reference to "walking home every day over Barnegat Bridge and Bay". On March 22, 1975, the song became a Billboard No. 1 hit . The Trust for Public Land , a national land conservation group, has done extensive work in

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3968-562: Was incorporated as one of New Jersey's first 104 townships by the Township Act of 1798 of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. The township's original name was for Dover , England. The village of Toms River is listed on both the national and state registers of historic places. In 1850, Toms River became the county seat of the newly created Ocean County when it was formed out of southern Monmouth County . During

4032-475: Was low and that mercury content ranged from <0.02 to 2.61 mg/kg dry wt. PAH content ranged from as low as 37 ug/kg to 1696 ug/kg with the highest concentrations at Tuckerton Creek, nevertheless these concentrations are not considered harmful to humans or biota. The distribution pattern of PAHs throughout the study area was consistent with the burning from grass, wood and coal sources. Concentrations of PCB were below reported effects ranges suggesting

4096-517: Was severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy , reopening in January 2013, after repairs were completed. The facility was damaged again in 2022, when over a foot of ice and snow fell during a January nor'easter , causing portions of the dome to collapse in on itself. In May 2022, the complex was rebranded as part of a multi-year naming rights agreement. The facility is now called the Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at

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