By Jessica Ercolino, Staff Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — The state has begun a 14-month road improvement project on routes 33 and 130 that will help improve traffic flow in the township.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation closed the shoulders in both directions on Route 33 last week to begin the $7.7 million project, which will reconstruct and improve traffic flow of the Route 33 and Route 130 intersection.
The state will build a new jughandle to connect traffic to the recently completed Route 526 Bypass, and Route 33 will be realigned. A new auxiliary lane will be added on Route 130 in each direction.
Erin Phalon, spokeswoman for NJDOT, said the roadwork is meant to improve the flow of traffic, decrease congestion and improve safety along the highways.
The project is expected to be completed by January 2010 and will have minimum impact on traffic during construction, she said.
Gov. Jon Corzine last week said the improvements also will benefit the township’s economic development — something local officials have placed at the top of Robbinsville’s priority list going forward.
”Improving capacity and safety at this intersection will enable motorists to access downtown Robbinsville more easily,” Gov. Corzine said in a release. “(This) will stimulate the township’s economic growth.”
As part of the project, the department also will demolish the existing Route 33 bridge over the Conrail rail line and replace it with an at-grade rail crossing. The railroad will be abandoned at this location.
For real-time travel and construction information, visit www.nj511.info.

