Route 18 southbound in East Brunswick, Middlesex County, will be closed overnight next week as part of ongoing drainage and pavement rehabilitation work. The closure will occur between Tices Lane and Milltown Road.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced that the closure is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. on Monday, January 5, and continue each night through Friday, January 9, reopening at 5 a.m. each morning. If there is inclement weather, the work will be postponed to the following night.
The closure is necessary for reconstruction of the right lane on Route 18 southbound. During this period, motorists will follow a detour: drivers will turn right onto Tices Lane, then left onto Harts Lane, followed by another left onto Milltown Road to return to Route 18 southbound. Alternatively, they can take the ramp toward South River/New Brunswick back to Route 18 northbound.
This project is funded with $86.1 million in federal funds and covers about four and a half miles of Route 18 in East Brunswick. The work includes milling and paving, improvements to drainage systems and storm water basins, utility relocation, installation of new sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgrading guiderails, and intersection enhancements throughout the project area. Completion is expected by late 2027.
Variable messaging signs are being used to inform drivers about traffic pattern changes related to this construction. The timing may change depending on weather or other factors.
Motorists are advised to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for updates on construction and real-time travel information. For additional news from NJDOT, updates are available via X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.
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