Downed Utility Poles Snarl Route 34 Traffic

Police said two utility poles were downed on Route 34 near the on ramp to I-195, cutting power along the state highway south of Belmar Boulevard and snarling traffic.

Wall Township Police were directing traffic at Hurley Pond Road and at the intersection with the Monmouth Executive Airport this morning, Sgt. Patrick Connor said.

Power to about 280 residents and businesses has been restored.

There is heavy traffic on the northbound side, while southbound Route 34 traffic is slowed because of rubbernecking. 

Connor said there was no apparent reason for the poles to have fallen, which took place around 8:40 a.m. Crews from Jersey Central Power and Light were on the scene and power should be restored to the area within an hour, Connor said.