NJDOT to replace Heathcote Brook culvert under
Route 1 in South Brunswick

(Trenton) - Commissioner Jim Simpson today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation will begin the replacement of the Heathcote Brook culvert under Route 1 in South Brunswick, Middlesex County. The $2.3 million state-funded project will replace the culvert and stabilize the supporting soil under the foundation footings and abutments.

Initial construction will begin Friday, June 25, with the contractor, Mount Construction Inc., shifting Route 1 southbound traffic to the west and northbound traffic will be shifted to the east. Overnight lane closures will be necessary to shift traffic and establish a work zone in the center portion of the roadway to remove the existing median barrier.

On or around Friday, July 9, NJDOT will shift Route 1 northbound traffic over the bridge to the west and establish a work zone on the right side of Route 1 northbound. Once the work zone is established two lanes of Route 1 traffic will be maintained during daytime hours in each direction.

Temporary, single-lane closures may occur overnight on Route 1 Mondays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, Fridays from 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day, Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day and Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday. Emergency vehicles will have access through the work zones at all times.

The existing Heathcote Brook culvert has been damaged by past storms with associated damage to pavement in the northbound lanes. An emergency temporary stabilization repair was performed by NJDOT in October 2007.

In addition to the replacement of the existing culvert, NJDOT will resurface the roadway approaches on Route 1 in both directions. Construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2011.

NJDOT will employ variable message signs to notify motorists of the upcoming bridge closure. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org