Depending on where you live at the Jersey Shore, you probably see Route 9 from a different perspective. For example, I live in Little Egg Harbor and our section of Route 9 is fine and the same through Tuckerton as well. Yes, it gets busy at 5 p.m. on weeknights and the weekends, and especially in summer it can be a bit slow.....but I won't complain because the road is without major potholes and traffic volume.

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Now for me, the section of Route 9 from Beachwood through Berkley Township is the worst in Ocean County. This area of Route 9 is riddled with potholes and construction spots. Driving through this section will definitely put some "wear and tear" on your vehicle.

As far as traffic volume, I think the area north of Toms River through Lakewood and into Howell is the "busiest" section of Route 9 for us here in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. The Freehold section can be a bit of a grind too, but I still put my money on Lakewood through Howell as the busiest. Listeners had these reactions:

  • Richard: Beachwood
  • Peter: Bayville
  • Kris: It was Lakewood but they finally repaved so now I say Beachwood
  • Linda: Lakewood and a close second Beachwood

In conclusion: To be honest, I will always opt for the Garden State Parkway, if I can, to avoid using Route 9... it's just a better road.

How do YOU feel about Route 9? What section do YOU think is worst and why? Let us know we'd love to see your comments.

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Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

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