McGreevey and Lettiere cut ribbon on $55 million
Route 1 and 130 interchange
improvement project

“The philosophy guiding our transportation policy is to fix it first and to place our safety first,” said McGreevey. “These philosophies were put to work at the Route 1 and 130 intersection, one of the most traveled intersections in the State, with 130,000 motorists crossing these roads everyday. The intersection also has one of the highest accident rates in the State. Literally, improvements to this intersection were a matter of life or death.

“That is why we’ve invested $55 million to remove the outdated traffic circle, widen roadways, install new traffic lights and construct four new bridges. These and other improvements will greatly improve local and regional safety as well as help traffic flow more freely,” continued McGreevey.

The project, which broke ground in December 2001, involved the construction of a new grade-separated interchange to replace a functionally obsolete partial traffic circle and signalized intersection at the junction of Routes 1, 130 and 171 (known as Georges Road by local residents). The project area is a heavily traveled regional route used by upwards of 130,000 motorists every day. Prior to the improvements, the intersection had one of the highest accident rates in the State.

“This project is the culmination of over 30 years worth of work and cooperation by state and local officials, business leaders and the citizens of North Brunswick,” said Jack Lettiere. “The new interchange expands local and regional safety and enables traffic to flow freely, improving the efficiency and operating conditions of our highway system.”

Initial plans to improve the traffic patterns at the intersection were developed in the 1960s. The final configuration was suggested directly by North Brunswick officials and residents during the mid-90s.

The project improves the overall operation and safety of the intersection having removed the traffic circle and signal on Routes 1 and 130 and replaced it with direct connector ramps. Construction also included the creation of a frontage road for businesses along Route 1 northbound between Route 130 and Milltown Road; a widened Route 1 with six travel lanes through the interchange; improved drainage and lighting; new traffic signals on the approaches to the interchange; and installation of sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossing areas.

"Motorists and local residents have been waiting a long time for the completion of this interchange," said Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Middlesex). "It will make a world of difference in their everyday lives, easing commutes, and making it simpler to get through U.S. 1 and 130."

"This new overpass is evidence that state tax dollars are hard at work for our residents," said Assemblyman Joseph V. Egan (D-Middlesex). "This beautiful new intersection will have a positive impact on all who use it, helping to solve the massive traffic problems that plagued this area for years."