The weather might be cold and cloudy, but signs of spring are right in front of us – and we better be paying attention!
The seasonal tradition of traffic lights on Ocean County’s northern barrier island switching from “blinking” mode to traditional red-yellow-agreen was completed this week, with lights being turned over by the state Department of Transportation as well as Ocean County over the course of a few days.

A traffic light returns to life in Ortley Beach, April 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)
Speed limits continue at their “winter” levels, but will soon be reduced as both motorized and pedestrian traffic increases as the weather improves.