Route 18 northbound in East Brunswick, Middlesex County will see overnight lane and ramp closures as part of ongoing drainage and pavement rehabilitation. The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced that the closures will occur between Gusto Grill, just before Rues Lane, and Cindy Way/Brunswick Square Mall.
Beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, until 5 a.m. Friday, March 6, and again on Friday night at the same time, both the right and center lanes on Route 18 northbound are scheduled to be closed from Gusto Grill to just before the ramp to Cindy Way/Brunswick Square Mall. This closure is required for reconstruction of the right lane. Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution, and expect delays in the work zone.
Additionally, the Route 18 northbound ramp to Rues Lane will be closed during these periods. A detour will direct drivers on Route 18 northbound to continue past the closed ramp, take the next jughandle before Cindy Way/Brunswick Square Mall Intersection, stay left to turn onto Route 18 southbound, then use the ramp to Rues Lane/All Turns. Alternatively, motorists can continue on Route 18 southbound, take the ramp to CR 527 North/Main Street/Spotswood, turn left onto Main Street/CR 615, then left onto Old Bridge Turnpike/CR 527 and finally left onto Rues Lane.
Another closure will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday night from Racetrack Road to Arthur Street and is expected to last through spring 2026. The right lane will be closed for drainage installation as well as curb and sidewalk repairs. Access to at least one driveway for each business along this stretch will remain available.
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 stormwater basins, relocating utilities, installing new sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgrading guiderails, and making improvements at several intersections within the project area. Completion is expected by late 2027.
Variable message signs are being used to notify drivers about changes in traffic patterns related to this construction work. The timing of closures may change depending on weather or other factors.
Drivers can access real-time travel information or construction updates by visiting NJDOT’s traffic information website at www.511nj.org or by following NJDOT’s official social media accounts on X (Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram.
“Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution and expect delays when driving through the work zone.”
“Access to at least one driveway to each business will be maintained.”
