NJDOT to replace Route 1 bridge in North Brunswick

(Trenton) - Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will replace the Route 1 Bridge over an abandoned rail line and two local access roadways in North Brunswick, Middlesex County.

“NJDOT is committed to improving the state's aging highway bridges,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “This new structure will provide safer driving conditions for residents and commuters on this important stretch of Route 1 in North Brunswick.”

The $24.1 million project will replace the structurally deficient bridge carrying Route 1 over an abandoned Conrail line and two local access roadways, North Meriel Drive and College Farm Road, at milepost 25.7 in North Brunswick. The bridge will be replaced with a wider structure, and the two current connector roads beneath the structure will be converted to a single roadway. NJDOT also will make safety improvements on Route 1 between Milltown Road and Ryders Lane in North Brunswick. The existing, unused railroad line will be removed, permitting the construction of a shorter, one span bridge and the realignment of the access roadways underneath. The project will also feature new traffic signals on the adjoining access roadways. Construction is scheduled for completion in June 2011.

On Friday, March 13, NJDOT will begin construction and utility relocation on College Farm Road. Construction is not expected to impact Route 1 until May 2009. This spring, periodic single and double-lane closures will be necessary as construction begins on Route 1. During Route 1 construction, the following single and double lane closures are expected:

• Single lane closures may take place Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday, from Saturday at 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Sunday, and from Sunday at 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday.
• Double lane closures may take place from Monday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning, from Friday at 11 p.m. to Saturday at 6 a.m., from Saturday at 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Sunday, and from Sunday at 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday.

NJDOT has installed variable message signs on Route 1 to inform motorists of the closure. Real time travel and construction information is available at www.511nj.org.