A previous study along Route 1 indicates that the existing space for left/U-turns at Washington Road and the left/U-turns at the Harrison Street jug handle is inadequate to accommodate this traffic, resulting in traffic backing up onto Route 1. This condition negatively impacts traffic operations along mainline Route 1.

A pilot project to restrict left turns and U-turns on Route 1 at Washington Road and Harrison Street in West Windsor will be implemented Friday, August 3, 2012 with all restrictions expected to be in place on Saturday, August 4, 2012.

Temporary barriers will be used to implement the restrictions over the course of the 12-week trial period. NJDOT will deploy Dynamic Message Signs and static signage notifying motorists of the restrictions and alternate routes in advance of the start of the pilot project.

Temporary construction barrels will be used to implement the restrictions over the course of a planned 12-week trial period.

In connection with the trial, turn restrictions will be implemented at Varsity Avenue and Fisher Place, and the traffic signals at Washington Road and Harrison Street will be optimized with a goal to improve traffic flow for Route 1 motorists.

NJDOT will collect traffic volume and trip-time data at numerous locations in Princeton Township, Princeton Borough, West Windsor and Plainsboro prior to and during the trial period to evaluate the impacts of the restrictions.

After the conclusion of the trial, NJDOT will meet with stakeholders to present its findings as to whether the restrictions have proven to be effective in reducing Route 1 congestion and to discuss the extent of any secondary impacts on local streets and roads.

If the trial is deemed a success, the turns will not be restored and the Department will replace the temporary barriers with permanent and more aesthetically pleasing barriers as expeditiously as possible.