Real Project Profile: Solving Stormwater Issues on Route 37
If you own or manage a commercial property in Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in Ocean County, NJ, you’re already familiar with the challenges that standing water presents in your parking lot. Persistent stormwater accumulation isn’t just a minor nuisance — it creates significant safety hazards, accelerates costly pavement damage, and impacts the perception of your property.
**Safety Risks:** When water pools on pavement surfaces during the fall and winter, those areas freeze overnight, transforming into ice patches that significantly raise the risk of slip-and-fall incidents. This exposure results in heightened liability for property owners and can lead to costly claims.
**Structural Damage:** Inefficient drainage undermines the integrity of your asphalt or concrete. Prolonged exposure to standing water weakens the subbase, leading to rapid deterioration—cracks, potholes, surface failure, and, ultimately, the need for early replacement. This is especially problematic in areas subject to frequent freeze-thaw cycles, like Ocean County.
**Tenant Complaints:** Consistently wet or damaged parking lots project an image of neglect. Tenants and customers may perceive the property as unsafe or poorly managed. For property managers, these complaints can quickly escalate, jeopardizing tenant retention and leasing rates.
Ignoring drainage issues puts your investment at risk. Proactive drainage repair and stormwater management are essential measures—not merely routine maintenance, but critical steps in protecting your asset’s long-term value, complying with safety regulations, and maintaining stakeholder confidence.
We were called to a commercial property on Route 37 in Toms River where the parking lot had a stormwater problem. After every heavy rain, water would pool in the front lot. In the winter, that pooling became sheets of ice — a major liability for both the property owner and their tenants.
The property had a rip rap drainage swale (a stone channel meant to carry water away).
Unfortunately, it was installed too high, so water couldn’t flow correctly.
The swale was completely clogged with silt, landscaping debris, and grass, preventing water movement.
Surveyed and identified the grade problem.
Removed all the old rip rap stone, silt, and debris.
Regraded the swale lower so water could drain naturally.
Installed geotextile fabric to keep grass and weeds from growing back into the drainage path.
Replaced with fresh rip rap stone.
The drainage swale now works as intended:
Stormwater flows away from the pavement.
No more standing water.
No more winter ice hazards.
The property manager gained peace of mind and reduced long-term liability.
If you’re managing a lot in Ocean County, you may be dealing with one of these issues:
Clogged drains or swales: Debris, mulch, and grass block stormwater from flowing.
Improper grading: Parking lots or drainage systems installed too high or too flat.
Failed catch basins: Sunken or broken structures that no longer collect water.
Erosion around drains: Poor installation or lack of stabilization fabric.
Each of these problems has different solutions, which can affect both cost and effectiveness.
Best for clogged, shallow swales.
Cost: $3,500 – $7,500
For sunken, broken, or misaligned basins.
Cost: $2,500 – $5,500 per basin
Installed in high-traffic or flat areas.
Cost: $15,000+ depending on length and tie-in needs
For large properties with chronic flooding.
Cost: $5,000 – $25,000+ depending on lot size and complexity
One of the biggest questions we hear is:
“What will it cost to fix my drainage issue?”
The answer: it depends on scope and severity.
Small fixes (like the Route 37 swale adjustment) may run $5,000 – $10,000.
Medium repairs (multiple catch basins) may run $15,000 – $25,000.
Large-scale redesigns (entire system upgrades) can exceed $50,000+.
The key driver of cost isn’t just material — it’s access, labor, grading challenges, and whether underground piping needs replacement.
We’d love to say “we are” and leave it at that, but our business model and success is about honesty and transparency:
The best contractor for you will be one who:
Understands pavement and drainage together (not just one or the other).
Has local experience with Ocean County soil, stormwater rules, and freeze–thaw cycles.
Provides detailed proposals that explain why the fix is recommended.
Offers long-term warranties and annual inspections.
FixAsphalt.com has done drainage work for storage facilities, shopping centers, HOAs, and corporate properties across Ocean County — and we’re transparent about what it costs, what works, and what doesn’t.
If your parking lot in Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Point Pleasant, Jackson, Seaside Heights, or anywhere in Ocean County, NJ shows signs of:
Water pooling after storms
Ice patches in winter
Catch basins that don’t drain
👉 Now is the time to act — before winter makes the problem worse.
📞 Call FixAsphalt.com today to schedule a parking lot drainage consultation and get a plan that fits your property, budget, and long-term goals.
Q: Can’t I just patch over drainage issues with new asphalt?
A: No. Without fixing the underlying water problem, the new asphalt will fail quickly.
Q: How long do drainage repairs last?
A: With proper installation and annual inspections, 15–20 years is common.
Q: Is drainage work disruptive to tenants?
A: Most drainage fixes can be done in 1–3 days with minimal access interruption.