NJDOT announces extension of
Alexander Road closure in West Windsor

(Trenton)– The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the extension of the existing closure of the Alexander Road Bridge over the Amtrak Northeast Corridor rail line in West Windsor, Mercer County. The closure is part of NJDOT’s $12 million Alexander Road Bridge replacement project.  

NJDOT closed Alexander Road in July and implemented a local detour in order to incorporate the Alexander Road Bridge replacement into the new roadway configuration.  During the closure, NJDOT is completing the construction of the new bridge and retaining walls, installing new drainage equipment, and relocating utility equipment.

Due to unscheduled utility work, Alexander Road from North Post Road to Old Bear Brook Road will continue to be closed to traffic until early December 2008.  Motorists are advised to expect minor delays in the area.

The following detour routes will continue to be in effect:

• Motorists traveling on Route 1 will exit onto Washington Road (CR 571) and continue east to Wallace Road, North Post Road or Clarksville Road. Princeton Junction rail passengers will enter from Wallace Road and will not encounter a detour.
• Motorists traveling on Route 1 should exit onto Alexander Road in order to access Bear Brook Road, Old Bear Brook Road, Vaughn Drive, or any destination located prior to the bridge approach.
• Motorists traveling on the eastern side of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor Rail line will take CR-571 west to access Route 1.
• Motorists bound for Bear Brook Road, Old Bear Brook Road, Vaughn Drive, or destinations located prior to the bridge approach will turn left onto Route 1 south from CR 571, continue to the Alexander Road interchange and take the far loop ramp heading east.

NJDOT is currently replacing the deteriorated Alexander Road Bridge with a wider structure that will carry two 12-foot travel lanes, 4-foot shoulders and 6-foot sidewalks. The new bridge and roadway will be compatible with pedestrians and bicycles. NJDOT will build new curbs, sidewalks, bicycle-compatible lanes and landscaping treatments. Pedestrian accommodations will enable area residents to more easily access the Princeton Junction Train Station, which is in close proximity to the Alexander Road Bridge. The project will also improve safety at the intersection of Alexander Road and North Post Road by replacing the existing intersection with a modern roundabout. The project is scheduled for completion in January 2009.

Variable Message Signs are placed on Route 1 to inform motorists of the roadway closure and corresponding detour routes. NJDOT continues to work with West Windsor police department, Mercer County and NJ TRANSIT to ensure motorist safety in the work zones and on the detour routes.

Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org.