The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is reporting that the river beach at L Street in Belmar has been closed.

In a bulletin posted on NJBeaches.org, the DEP explains that overflowing manholes as a result of Hurricane Irene are the reason for the precautionary closing.

The DEP is currently testing water samples from the area and expects to have results later today or tomorrow.

The River Road section of Route 35 along the Shark River was hit especially hard during Hurricane Irene this weekend.

The Belmar Police Department and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office blocked off a large portion of the road to traffic in both directions as a heavy storm surge overtook the road between Route 71 and 16th Avenue.

L Street beach is a popular location for fishing, kayaking and sailing on the Shark River. The Friends of Belmar Harbor, who offer sailing lessons for youths, is located adjacent to this beach.