Route 33 to be restored to three travel lanes over Peddie Lake in Hightstown
Large truck restriction will remain in effect until project completion
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that Route 33 (Main Street) over the Peddie Lake/Rocky Brook bridge will be restored to three travel lanes this week in downtown Hightstown, Mercer County.
Construction operations have progressed to a point which will allow NJDOT’s contractor, Berto Construction Inc., to reopen the northbound right-turn lane and restore the highway to its normal configuration this Wednesday night, August 8. Route 33 southbound will carry one travel lane and Route 33 northbound will carry one through travel lane and one right-turn lane over the bridge during daytime and peak travel hours. Pedestrian access will be maintained along the southbound sidewalk.
Route 33 had been reduced to two travel lanes – one in each direction – since repair work to the damaged sidewalks and parapets on both sides of the bridge began the first week of July. The existing bridge, located in the heart of downtown Hightstown, was damaged during Hurricane Irene in September 2011.
Repair work on the bridge stone wall facing and drainage elements continues at this time. Upon completion of that work, the highway will be resurfaced and restriped. Periodic overnight single lane closures will be necessary to accommodate that work. NJDOT anticipates the $655,000 project being completed in fall 2012.
As a precautionary measure, large trucks – more than 7 tons in weight – will continue to be restricted from traversing the bridge until construction is completed. Local delivery trucks weighing more than 7 tons will have access into Hightstown to make deliveries, but will not be allowed to cross the bridge. Highstown PD has been enforcing the restriction, and will be assisted periodically by NJ State Police.
Truck Detours
• Route 33 northbound/eastbound trucks needing to access the NJ Turnpike Exit 8 interchange will be directed to use Route 130 northbound to Route 133 eastbound.
• CR 539 northbound trucks will be directed to use CR 571 to Route 130 northbound.
• Route 33 southbound/westbound trucks will be directed to use Route 133 westbound to Route 130 southbound.
• CR 539 southbound trucks will be directed to use Route 130 southbound to CR 571 eastbound.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. In the case of rain, the traffic switch will be postponed for one night to Thursday, August 9. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for real-time travel information.
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