NJDOT announces $9 million
Route 27 bridge replacement in Metuchen

(Trenton) - Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced that New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will replace the Route 27 Bridge over the Conrail railroad line in Metuchen, Middlesex County starting May 8, 2009.

“The Route 27 Bridge replacement reflects the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improving the condition of bridges statewide,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “This project will create jobs and improve safety on Route 27 in Metuchen.”

The new Route 27 Bridge will accommodate one 12-foot lane, one 10-foot shoulder and sidewalks in each direction. The $9 million project is scheduled for completion in summer 2011.

Alternating single lane closures will take place overnight starting May 8. One lane of traffic in each direction and one sidewalk will remain open throughout construction.

NJDOT will demolish and rebuild the east side of Route 27 from May 2009 through May 2010. On May 11, NJDOT will shift Route 27 onto the west side of the existing bridge. In order to replace the Route 27 Bridge, Wakefield Drive will be closed from May 2009 through August 2011. During the closure, traffic will take Jesmond Road to Woodside Avenue to Wakefield Drive.

Upon completion of the east side of the new bridge in May 2010, NJDOT will begin work on the west side. From May 2010 to December 2010, Waltham Avenue will be closed. During the closure, Waltham Avenue traffic will take Homestead Road to Alden Avenue to Waltham Avenue.
NJDOT began utility work associated with the project in August 2008. NJDOT provides construction updates and real time traffic information at www.511nj.org.