NJDOT to shift Route 1 traffic in North Brunswick

(Trenton) – The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced an upcoming traffic pattern change on Route 1 as part of a project to replace the Route 1 bridge over an abandoned rail line and two local access roadways in North Brunswick, Middlesex County.

On Saturday, July 18, NJDOT will convert College Farm Road East and College Farm Road West into one-way roadways. College Farm Road West will serve southbound traffic only, and College Farm Road East will exclusively serve northbound traffic.

On Saturday, July 31, NJDOT will shift the right lanes of Route 1 in each direction onto College Farm Road East and College Farm Road West. Route 1 will maintain two lanes in each direction, and the third lane in each direction will be shifted to College Farm Road. NJDOT will then establish a new work zone in the center portion of Route 1. The new traffic pattern will remain in place through December 2010.

The $24.1 million project will replace the structurally deficient Route 1 Bridge over an abandoned Conrail line and two local access roadways, North Meriel Drive and College Farm Road in North Brunswick. The bridge will be replaced by a wider structure, and the two 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. The project will also feature new traffic signals on the adjoining access roadways. Construction is scheduled for completion in June 2011.

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.