Four years of roadwork is coming to Route 18 in East Brunswick. Here's what to expect
EAST BRUNSWICK – A four-year construction project will bring $86 million in drainage, pavement and other improvements to four miles along Route 18, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The project will focus on both the north and southbound lanes from milepost 35.40, south of Rues Lane, to milepost 39.54, the southern end of the New Jersey Turnpike underpass.
The work, which hasn’t begun but is expected to affect travel lanes later this fall, according to an NJDOT spokesman, is expected to be completed in fall 2026.
The project will alleviate drainage deficiencies and flooding, enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety, reduce congestion and update sidewalk curb ramps, curbs, guiderails and traffic signals.
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The anticipated traffic impacts during construction, according to the NJDOT, include long‐term single-lane closures in each direction when traffic signals will be adjusted to mitigate delays as much as possible; two lane closures overnight in each direction; up to 12 weekends of two southbound lane closures for gas main work; overnight ramp and intersection closures and detours for side streets; and overnight driveway closures during non‐business hours, maintaining emergency access.
Proposed improvements
Roadway and traffic
Mill and resurface all lanes
Reconstruct right lane pavement and cross slope
Complete and upgrade sidewalk and ramps for ADA compliance
Improve driveways to meet current Access Management standards
Upgrade guide rail and median barrier to meet current NJDOT standards
Upgrade traffic signals to meet current NJDOT standards
Improve bus access at Edgeboro Road and Tices Lane intersections
Drainage and storm water management
Replace metal pipes with concrete to meet current NJDOT standards
Reconstruct and add lateral drainage crossings
Construct two new bioretention basins and rehabilitate one existing basin
Reconstruct two wet ponds
Install three manufactured treatment devices
Utilities
Reconstruct over two miles of gas main
Reconstruct over four miles of water mains and connections
Relocate power and telecommunication poles and wires to mitigate project conflicts
The project will maintain access to all existing street connections during daylight hours, according to the NJDOT.
The project is funded by a combination of federal and state funds. The NJDOT awarded the contract for the project in June to Earle Asphalt Company.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Route 18 in East Brunswick NJ set for long-term road project