Kids & Family

Is Traffic on Route 1 Getting Better or Worse?

A 12-week trial program by the New Jersey Department of Transportation restricts left turns and U-turns on Route 1 at Washington Road and Harrison Street. Do you think the program is working?

Last month, South Brunswick Township reported several complaints from motorists about the ongoing Department of Transportation pilot program on Route 1.

The 12-week program, which began on Aug. 4, restricts left turns and U-turns on Route 1 at Washington Road and Harrison Street. The New Jersey Department of Transportation seeks to reduce congestion along the Route 1 northbound corridor in the area of Washington Road and Harrison Street where the three lanes are typically clogged with motorists waiting to make left turns during peak travel periods.  

Drivers traveling into Princeton now must use Alexander Road or continue north to Scudder’s Mill Road and onto Route 1 south.

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An NJDOT spokesman said the agency collected traffic data at numerous locations in Princeton Township, Princeton Borough, West Windsor and Plainsboro before the trial began and would continue to do so to determine the impact of the restrictions. At the end of the trial, the DOT plans to meet with the various stakeholders to see if the restrictions have reduced Route 1 congestion and to "discuss the extent of any secondary impacts on local streets and roads."

Last month, South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese said the township has received complaints from residents that the trial program has only exacerbated the Route 1 traffic nightmare in the township.

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"We've heard many complaints already that it now takes 45 minutes just to go three or four miles to get to Harrison Street," Gambatese said. 

Councilman Charles Carley said he experienced a much easier time traveling on the roadway with little congestion due to the program.

Adding to the problem for township residents has been the long-term construction project to improve Route 1, which is expected to continue into the summer of 2013.

on both the northbound and southbound sides of the roadway. In addition, the Route 1 and New Road intersection will receive repairs to the curbing and drainage. The project will also include sections of Plainsboro and North Brunswick. 

So tell us in the comments section, how has the NJDOT pilot program restricting turns on Route 1 affected you? Do you think the program should be put in place permanently or should it be eliminated at the end of the trial run?

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