The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) began a $53.9 million 2.5-mile reconstruction and widening of Route 1 from I-287 in Edison to the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge in September 2006. It is the last of seven projects to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on 10 miles from I-287 in Edison to Rahway. The work is part of NJDOT's ongoing statewide reconstruction of this critical transportation facility.

The purpose of this project is to improve safety and reduce congestion through the area by providing three through lanes and an outside shoulder or auxiliary lane in each direction on Route 1. To improve the flow of traffic along Route 1 the signalized intersections are being widened and turn ramps are being added. Some local roadways are being closed off to Route 1 to help improve safety as well as to help improve the function of the major intersections.