SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Contractors are already preparing sections of Route 1 for resurfacing and widening projects although they will not begin until the summer.
New Jersey Department of Transportation officials announced the start of two separate projects on Route 1 in Mercer and Middlesex counties. The first will resurface Route 1 in Lawrence, West Windsor, Plainsboro and South Brunswick, while the second will widen Route 1 southbound in West Windsor and Lawrence.
Last week, DOT contractor Della Pello Paving began to install signage and implement temporary shoulder closures to accommodate electrical and concrete work in advance of milling and paving Route 1 in both the northbound and southbound directions between Route 533/Quakerbridge Road in Lawrence (milepost 7.9) and Ridge Road in South Brunswick (milepost 14.5), according to information provided by DOT.
The $9.7 million project will resurface approximately seven miles of Route 1, and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019. Project improvements include pavement repair, signal work and curb and concrete work, according to the statement.
Throughout the duration of the project, shoulder closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with temporary overnight single and double lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. nightly. Motorists should expect temporary ramp and shoulder closures, allow for additional travel time, and exercise caution while driving through the work zone.
Also last week, DOT contractor South State began lane shifts and tree clearing in preparation for widening Route 1 south between Nassau Park Boulevard in West Windsor (milepost 8.69) and Quakerbridge Overpass in Lawrence (milepost 7.54). The project is expected to be completed in summer 2020.
The $14 million project will improve capacity and safety on Route 1 south, and will improve access to and from the Mercer Mall and other adjacent businesses in the area, according to the statement. Access to all locations will be maintained throughout the project.
The southbound roadway includes two express lanes and one local lane providing access to businesses along Route 1. The project calls for widening Route 1 to include a third express lane and will add an auxiliary lane from Nassau Park Boulevard to the Quakerbridge Mall loop ramp in the local lanes providing motorists with improved traffic flow and more effective access for residents and travelers, according to the statement.
DOT will provide more information before any lane closures are scheduled in either project, officials said.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists should visit www.511nj.org for real-time travel information. For DOT news, follow Twitter @NJDOT_info or visit the NJDOT Facebook page.