Colts Neck Intersection Closed Tuesday Due To Navy Investigation

COLTS NECK, NJ – A Colts Neck intersection and gate to Naval Weapons Station Earle were closed this morning while Navy security investigated an incident on a rail car.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on May 18, personnel from Naval Munitions Command and Naval Weapons Station Earle Security responded to a report of an unknown noise from one of the rail cars. The train was stopped in order to investigate.

As a result of the investigation, the intersection of Normandy Road and Hockhockson Road, as well as the South Gate to Navy Weapons Station Earle were temporarily closed.

Members of the Navy Station's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 were at the scene conducting a thorough inspection of the area. No issues were found, according to a NWS Earle spokesperson.

A similar safety and maintenance inspection was conducted on the rail cars and found no issues. The train was able to continue travel at around 7:45 a.m. and the roads have since reopened.

“I want to commend the swift and professional response by our Naval Munitions Command employees, Naval Security, EOD, Public Works and Safety personnel, as well as the members of the Colts Neck Police Department and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jack Smock, NWS Earle Executive Officer. “Thanks to their efforts, we were able to continue to meet our critical mission while ensuring the safety of both our Navy personnel as well as that of our surrounding community.”