Traffic pattern switch announced for Route 27 bridge over Middlesex Greenway in Metuchen
$3.8 million NJDOT replacement project entering
next major stage of construction
(Trenton) - NJDOT today announced an upcoming traffic pattern switch on Route 27 as construction progresses to the next stage on the bridge over the Middlesex Greenway, which runs along an abandoned Conrail freight railroad line in Metuchen.
On Friday night, November 15, NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction, Inc., is scheduled to set up the work zone for the next stage of construction on the northbound side of the bridge. To accommodate that work, NJDOT will shift all traffic onto the newly constructed southbound half of the structure, maintaining one travel lane in each direction on Route 27. NJDOT is replacing the bridge in stages, keeping one travel lane open in each direction, to minimize the impacts for Route 27 motorists.
In addition, this stage of construction will require an approximately six-month long closure and detour for Route 27 southbound access to Lake Avenue.
• Route 27 southbound motorists destined for Lake Avenue will be directed to use Prospect Street to High Street to connect with Lake Avenue south of Route 27.
• Pedestrians will be directed to use a temporary walkway along the westbound side of the bridge during this stage of work.
The $3.8 million federally-funded project is replacing the existing, structurally deficient bridge with a new, slightly wider pre-cast concrete structure complete with new sidewalks. The new structure will provide 14-feet of clearance over the abandoned railroad. A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Route 27, directly south of the bridge, and additional minor modifications will be made to the Amboy Avenue intersection to the north of the bridge.
Access along the Greenway, underneath the bridge, remains restricted during construction. Dynamic message signs are being utilized to notify motorists of all upcoming traffic pattern changes. NJDOT anticipates the project being completed by the end of 2014.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
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