The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced on March 14 that Route 18 northbound will be closed and detoured overnight on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, between Arthur Street and Milltown Road in East Brunswick, Middlesex County. The closure is part of an ongoing drainage and pavement rehabilitation project.
The temporary closure will take place from 9:30 p.m. each night until 5 a.m. the following morning. The department said the work is necessary to reconstruct the right and center lanes under the Milltown Road Bridge over Route 18.
During the closure, motorists traveling northbound on Route 18 will be directed to use a detour route via Arthur Street, Old Bridge Turnpike (County Road 527), and Milltown Road before rejoining Route 18. Alternative ramps are also available for drivers heading toward New Brunswick or returning southbound.
This construction is part of an $86.1 million federally funded project aimed at repairing approximately four and a half miles of Route 18 in East Brunswick. Planned improvements include milling and paving, upgrades to drainage systems and storm water basins, utility relocation, installation of new sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps, guiderail upgrades, and intersection enhancements throughout the project area. The project is expected to be completed in late 2027.
Variable messaging signs are being used to notify drivers about traffic pattern changes related to this work. The department noted that scheduling may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website at www.511nj.org for updates.
