Route 18 in East Brunswick, Middlesex County, will see overnight lane and ramp closures this week as part of ongoing drainage and pavement rehabilitation work. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that the northbound right and center lanes between Rues Lane and Square Mall will be closed from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17; Thursday, February 19; and Friday, February 20. These closures are required for reconstruction of the right lane.
In addition to the lane closures, the Route 18 northbound ramp to Rues Lane will also be closed during these overnight hours on the same dates. According to NJDOT, “The closure is necessary to reconstruct the right lane on Route 18 northbound.” Motorists who typically use this ramp will be directed to continue northbound on Route 18, take the next jughandle before Cindy Way/Brunswick Square Mall Intersection, stay left to turn onto Route 18 southbound, then take the ramp back toward Rues Lane or follow an alternate route via Main Street and Old Bridge Turnpike.
This work is part of an $86.1 million federally funded project aimed at rehabilitating approximately four and a half miles of Route 18 in East Brunswick. The project includes milling and paving road surfaces, improving drainage systems and storm water basins, relocating utilities, installing new sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgrading guiderails, and making improvements at various intersections along the corridor. Completion is expected by late 2027.
Variable messaging signs are being used to alert drivers about traffic pattern changes related to construction activities. NJDOT notes that schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
Motorists are advised to drive cautiously through work zones and expect delays during construction periods. For updates on traffic conditions or construction progress, travelers can visit NJDOT’s traffic information website at www.511nj.org or follow NJDOT’s social media channels for real-time information.
