| Q. |
How will motorists learn about changing traffic patterns? |
| A. |
NJDOT will provide information on variable message signs in the travel corridor and to
radio traffic services. Motorists may go online to
NJcommuter.com or call 1-877-NJROADS for information on this project. A
traffic camera will transmit existing conditions on the
web. |
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| Q. |
What can motorists do to avoid construction hassles? |
| A. |
If possible, motorists should consider altering their work route or hours, forming carpools and vanpools, taking public transit or
telecommuting, even if only for part of the work week.
Free assistance with these alternatives is available from Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc. (KMM), Middlesex County's transportation management association (TMA).
Contact KMM at if you work in Middlesex County. Commuters from other counties can obtain similar TMA assistance from NJcommuter.com or call 1-800-245-POOL.
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| Q. |
What will NJDOT do to minimize motorist hassles? |
| A. |
The contractor will be required to keep the existing number of lanes in operation throughout the project during peak travel periods and to
alert Traffic Operations to changing traffic patterns with 72 hours notice to post on variable message signs and
NJcommuter.com.
There will be a few occasions when traffic must be detoured off Route 1 for short periods of time. These unavoidable and planned exceptions
will take place between 11 pm and 5 am and posted in advance on the variable message signs, the web and radio traffic reports.
An emergency towing service is provided for in the contract.
Local police will direct traffic in conjunction with State Police to facilitate emergency vehicles through the project.
The two traffic signals at the Routes 1/130 intersection are preempted to the North Brunswick Police Department to help emergency response
vehicles move through the area and will remain so during construction. |
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| Q. |
How will the contractor close lanes? |
| A. |
Since the new interchange will be built over the existing interchange, temporary closures and/or diversion of the existing traffic
patterns will take place.
Lanes on Routes 1 and 130 may be closed 9 am-3 pm as needed.
Most of the existing traffic moves will be maintained via re-routing traffic within the project limits. Most closures will be for only short
periods of time, closing and re-opening systematically as construction progresses.
Traffic will be stopped to set beams on Route 1 for new structures for 15-minute periods from 11 pm-5 am. There may be a detour. |
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| Q. |
What are motorist-friendly new features in this project? |
| A. |
The existing traffic signal on Route 1 will be replaced by an overpass.
New direct connecting ramps will safely service the traffic between Route 1 and Route 130.
Traffic movements between roads will be redesigned to provide safer access to adjacent business, community and residential locations.
Four new bridges will move traffic more efficiently:
- Route 130 southbound over Route 1
- Route 130 northbound over Route 1
- Route 1 flyover southbound to Route 130 southbound
- Frontage Road Bridge northbound access to businesses along northbound Route 1 and Milltown Road.
Noise wall construction along the ramp from Route 1 southbound to Georges Road (Route 171) westbound will reduce noise levels to an adjacent
apartment complex. |
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| Q. |
Why are we doing this work? |
| A. |
The existing road geometry, increased volume and traffic signal contribute to a significant and growing number of accidents on Route 1,
Route 130 and Georges Road (Route 171).
The current traffic delays during AM and PM peak hours extend a half mile in all directions of the intersection. |
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| Q. |
Did local officials and residents participate in the planning? |
| A. |
This project was designed in cooperation with Middlesex County officials, the municipalities of North Brunswick and Milltown. Residents
participated in the Information Centers held by NJDOT during the planning stages. This project reflects input from local residents. Public
meetings were held on November 28, 2001 after the contractor was hired. |
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| Q. |
Is there any transportation engineering technique we are using for the first time in New
Jersey? |
| A. |
Yes. This is the first modified single point intersection in New Jersey, constructed on structure over Route 130. Its
purpose is to separate local from expressway traffic.
A single point intersection combines two separate diamond ramp intersections into one large one. Signalization of one major intersection
simplifies coordination on the main road and can significantly increase traffic carrying capacity compared with a conventional diamond
interchange.
The principal operational feature is that only one signalized intersection is required in the intersection through which all four left turns
operate outside of each other. The conventional intersection has opposing left turns operating inside one another.
This technique proves effective and valuable in areas that have high volumes of traffic and restricted right of way. It is growing in
popularity in use across the nation. |
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| Q. |
Who is the Resident Engineer? |
| A. |
Tony Bene is the NJDOT Resident Engineer who will oversee the day to day construction activities. NJDOT staff will be on the job during
all construction activities. |
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| Q. |
Who is the contractor? |
| A. |
George Harms Construction Company of Farmingdale, NJ. |
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