UPDATE: Full Power Restoration for South Brunswick Expected by Saturday Evening

Friday, Nov. 9, 3:30 p.m.

During a conference call with township officials Friday, PSE&G estimated South Brunswick will have full power restoration by Saturday evening.

There are still 330 customers in the township without power. PSE&G expects to have power restored to 99.5 percent of South Brunswick customers by midnight tonight, police said. However, there may be some customers whose restoration extends into the weekend, depending on the amount of repairs that need to be done. 

Lines in South Brunswick may be out of service temporarily for safety reasons while the company repairs the damaged lines. Power will then be restored as soon as it is safe to do so, police said. 

PSE&G noted that most of the remaining outages have resulted from localized issues that could not be corrected after a system or circuit outage was restored.

***

Thursday Nov. 8, 2 p.m.

Dey Road has been reopened from Route 130 to Orchardside Lane after the wires that were down were cleared from the roadway. However, police said the pole in the area of 155 Dey Road is still leaning. Repair crews will fix the problem as soon possible, according to police.

***

Thursday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.

With power outages still ongoing in large pockets of South Brunswick, residents without heat are dealing with a blast of winter while the wet heavy snow causes issues for relief efforts Thursday morning.

Route 522 has been closed between New Road and Route 1 for a snapped wire, said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz. Dey Road is currently closed from Route 130 to Orchardside Lane.

"This morning we still have large pockets without electricity and the snow is hampering the repairs," he said. "Our major concern is the people who don't have heat. School is in session, but we're dealing with the issues on Route 522 and trying to get power back to those pockets (of town out since Hurricane Sandy)."

The heavy snow on power lines is causing more problems this morning, as the township has experienced additional power outages after Wednesday's storm. PSE&G is aware and responding to repair requests, police said. Parts of Kendall Park and the Davidsons Mill Road region go on their tenth day in the dark with temperatures dropping. Police said PSE&G crews are currently on Fresh Ponds Road and also in the Kendall Park section of town. 

Schmalz said the snow could slow down restoration efforts, but the township continues working around the clock to bring the town back to a sense of normalcy.

"On our conference call with PSE&G Wednesday they were working on the eastern part of town and some locations got power back in the Fresh Ponds Road-Deans Rhode Hall Road area," he said. "They're still working on the Davidsons Mill Road area. They're working on bringing back up Route 130. They're working on a line that feeds into the eastern side of Kendall Park in the Hawthorne Road-Springdale Road area."

Township public works continue to focus on the massive cleanup effort, having already cleared over 250 fallen trees and reopened 65 roads closed after Hurricane Sandy. Residents are urged to use caution when driving due to additional fallen tree limbs created hazardous driving conditions.

The department has cleared 178 tandem dump truck loads of tree debris and 43 loads of chips. DPW is waiting for PSE&G to remove downed wires on township, state and county roads that are still closed in order to remove the remaining 50 trees.

"It's been a difficult couple of weeks for all of New Jersey, in particular our residents," Schmalz said. "We just want to get everything back up where it should be and get everyone's quality of life to where it was. We're working hard and working around the clock to do that."

***

Wednesday Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

As Nor'easter Athena dumps snow on central Jersey, a new series of power outages has begun to affect the region. As of 6 p.m., PSE&G said the storm already caused an additional 60,000 power outages statewide.

That number is expected to increase as strong winds arrive with the storm tonight, according to PSE&G.

As of Wednesday, South Brunswick had approximately 2,000 outages on the latest PSE&G power grid, with the township not projected for full restoration until the weekend passed.

Most of East Brunswick lost power Wednesday evening as the nor'easter continues to drop snow on the area. An emergency at a PSE&G substation forced the company to shut it down in order avoid lengthy blackouts, police said.

Linemen can work in the rain, said PSE&G spokeswoman Rena Esposito. But the high winds make it dangerous for them to work in bucket trucks they use to complete work on elevated wires. Federal law prohibits work in the trucks in winds greater than 40 mph.

Since Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey last week and caused massive power failures, more than 4,000 out-of-state workers in addition to 700 PSE&G technicians have been working to restore electric service, the utility said in the update.

***

11:30 a.m.

The township Public Works department has announced a special brush collection to deal with the debris left by Hurricane Sandy.

The storm left massive damage from fallen trees throughout South Brunswick. Township crews have already removed more than 350 fallen trees and opened 60 roadways, police said. To deal with the storm damage, Public Works crews will provide curbside brush collection as soon as possible. Residents are asked to place their branches curbside (not in the road) and to be patient. 

As an alternative, residents can also bring leaves and branches to the Brush and Leaf Drop Off Area located behind Sondek Park at 473 New Road in Monmouth Junction. The gate will remain open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Bags must be emptied and removed from the site. Township leaf collection has been suspended until further notice. 

Garbage collection also resumed this week on normally scheduled collection days. Recycling collection will resume Monday on normally scheduled collection days as well. 

As an alternative, residents can drop off recyclables, but not garbage, at the Recycling Center located behind the Municipal Building at 540 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction. The center will also remain open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. 

***

Wednesday Nov. 7, 9 a.m.

The forecast has taken a turn for the worse as a winter weather advisory has been issued leading to a desperate situation for thousands of residents still without power.

The National Weather Service is calling for the possibility of one to four inches of snow developing this morning into the afternoon, when the precipitation will fall more heavily before changing into rain tonight.

A high wind warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday. Winds are expected from the north between 30-40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

"This is a particularly dangerous situation," the service said, "especially for the areas that were hardest hit by the storm last week."

The strongest winds are expected Wednesday afternoon into evening, with the highest winds at the coast.

According to the weather alert, "Structures and trees weakened by the storm last week may be further damaged by another round of high winds. This can result in renewed power outages, particularly in areas where the electrical system remains in a weakened state. Debris from last week's storm could become a hazard during this new storm."

Yesterday PSE&G released an updated power grid showing 2,190 customers still without power in South Brunswick. That gird shows full restoration will not be completed by the end of the weekend.

The following is a list of estimated power outages. The list is an overview and not official. Any area not listed should call PSE&G at 800-436-7734. 

Kendall Park: 

• Springdale Road
• Hawthorne Road
• parts of Forrestal Road
• parts of Kendall Road
• Woodrow Road
• Joline Road
• Nassau Road
• Pelham Road
• Aldrich Road
• Winant Road
• Pinter Lane 
• Cambridge Road

Kingston:

• Green Shadow Lane
• School House Road
• Taylor Road (Partial) 

Monmouth Mobile Home Park 
Robin Road 

Monmouth Junction:

• Davidson Mill Road
• Hillside Avenue
• Fresh Ponds Road (partial)
• Friendship Road near Culver Road area 

Schools: 

• Cambridge Elementary School 
• Brunswick Acres Elementary School 

Power restored: 

Brooks Crossing Elementary School now has powered restored

***

Tuesday Nov. 6, 5:45 p.m.

With power outages still affecting three South Brunswick elementary schools, the district will do some shuffling Wednesday to prevent an eighth day lost to Hurricane Sandy.

Brooks Crossing Elementary School, Brunswick Acres Elementary School, and Cambridge Elementary School were the only three schools unable to open Tuesday as power outages persist.

Students from those schools will attend classes Wednesday at companion elementary schools that already had power restored. Brooks Crossing students will attend Indian Fields Elementary School; Brunswick Acres students will attend Greenbrook Elementary School; and Cambridge students will attend Constable Elementary School.

All other South Brunswick schools will be in session. Students will still report to their normal bus stops. Police said the principals of the elementary schools without power will follow up with phone calls to parents and will explain the process that has been put in place. 

The move prevents students at those three schools from losing an eighth day of instructional time. Superintendent Gary McCartney said the district will look at all available options fro regaining some of the time lost to the devastating hurricane.

***

1:30 p.m.

With power restored to a large portion of Dayton yesterday, work continues to bring power back to Kendall Park and other portions of the township still in the dark. The work becomes more urgent for those without power as the threat of a nor'easter looms. The storm is expected to bring high winds back to an area still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Kendall Park still has more than a dozen streets without power, as well as the Davidsons Mill Road-Deans area, and Fresh Ponds Road area.

"One of the things that's happening is we have many people driving around barriers," said police spokesman Sgt. Jim Ryan. "We were able to clear a number of trees that fell during Sandy on Fresh Ponds Road and Deans Rhode Hall Road. After it was cleared we had a truck driver who went around a barrier and pulled down a bunch of low hanging wires after we spent most of the day trying to restore it. We understand that everyone is frustrated, including those with no power, and we're doing everything we can to convey that message to PSE&G to expedite power restoration as soon as possible."

The township also announced future relief efforts will be coordinated through the South Brunswick Clergy Association and contact person Rev. Valerie Balling 
at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, located at 142 Sand Hills Road in Monmouth Junction.

NJ TRANSIT crews are still working around the clock to restore damage. When service is deemed safe and secure will it resume, the company said. NJ TRANSIT encourages customers to travel outside of the morning and afternoon peak hours to avoid delays and crowding. Customers are also advised to allow additional travel time due to overcrowding and congestion, the company said. 

***

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 8:30 a.m.

South Brunswick Police report progress restoring power to areas of Dayton and Route 130, while Kendall Park remains a problem.

Most sections of Dayton now have power, but there are still numerous streets in Kendall Park still waiting for power restoration, according to police. The Deans Rhode Hall Road and Fresh Ponds Road area also have several streets without power, but police said Monday evening that repair crews were working on that area.

All major highways are open, with traffic signals working at most intersections, with exception of the intersections at Route 522 and Promenade Blvd., and Route 1, and also at the intersection of Route 522/Fresh Ponds Road and Route 130. 

Motorists are urged to not go around closed road barricades. Most gas stations and all grocery stores are now open, police said.

***

Monday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.

The district has announced that all but three schools will be back in session tomorrow. South Brunswick High School, Crossroads North and South middle schools, Greenbrook Elementary, Constable Elementary, Monmouth Junction Elementary, Indian Fields Elementary, and the Dayton-Deans School are all open on Tuesday. These schools will operate on a normal schedule. 

Three schools will be closed on Tuesday due to a lack of power: Brooks Crossing Elementary School, Brunswick Acres Elementary School and Cambridge Elementary School. In addition, there will be no before school music program.

***

5:45 p.m.

The township has announced one change in polling locations for Election Day. Residents who usually vote at Brunswick Acres Elementary School will now cast their ballots at Greenbrook Elementary School, located at 23 Roberts Street in Kendall Park. All other voting districts are at their regular polling places. The Clerk’s Office will be open at 5 a.m. Any questions should be directed to 732-329-4000 Ext. 7352. 

The Middlesex County Clerk's Office reported two South Brunswick polling locations were changed due to ongoing power outages. However, the township reported that information is incorrect.

***

Monday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.

An error by a Route 1 gas station may have caused significant damage to vehicles who fueled up at the location.

The Hess gas station located at 2800 Route 1 north in North Brunswick just past Finnegans Lane mistakenly provided customers with diesel fuel on Saturday. The pumps on Saturday were mistakenly filled with diesel fuel, which can cause significant problems for your vehicle and generators, police said. 

Hess released a statement saying a third party carrier delivered gasoline to the station on Route 1 in North Brunswick, which was shut down after customers began to call in with complaints. The station was shut down, the product was pumped out and the tank was cleaned. 

"We sincerely regret any inconvenience this has caused customers, particularly at this difficult time in the aftermath of the hurricane," read a statement from the company. "Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Hess customer line directly at 800-437-7645."

***

Sunday, Nov. 4, 8:45 p.m.

South Brunswick reports significant progress on outages Sunday, as several areas finally regained power today.

Power has been restored to all intersections on Route 1 except Route 522. Traffic signals are now working at the Route 522 and New Road intersection, the Route 522 and Ridge Road intersection, and the Route 522 and Stouts Lane intersection. 

The Monmouth Junction side of Whispering Woods on New Road, the Villagio development, Monmouth Walk, the Southridge Hills Townhouses, Southridge Woods Apartments, Fresh Impressions, CIL Woods, and Oak Woods Senior Housing reportedly had power restored today. 

Local businesses Target, Best Buy, Staples, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Nail Zone, Chase Bank, Supercuts, and Pet Smart also regained power, police said. PSE&G was also working on Culver Road in the area of a substation Sunday.

The following areas are still awaiting restoration. The list is an estimation and not the official PSE&G outage list. If your street is not listed call PSE&G at 800-436-7734:

East side of Route 1:

• Scenic Drive
• Five Corners
• Pullman Loop
• Trestle Way
• Parts of Georges Road
• Debra Drive
• Four Seasons Development
• Helen Drive
• Kayann Drive
• April Drive
• Wetherhill Development
• Ireland Brook Drive
• Drinking Brook Drive
• Harmony Way 

West side of Route 1:

• Springdale
• Hawthorne
• Parts of Forrestal
• Parts of Kendall Road
• Hodge Road
• Woodrow Road
• Joline Road
• Nassau Road
• Pelham Road
• Green Shadow Lane
• School House Road
• Parts of the Monmouth Mobile Home Park
• Taylor Road 

***

6:30 p.m.

The township announced Sunday evening that Halloween activities will be celebrated in South Brunswick on Monday.

Parents are urged to use caution when allowing children to trick or treat, as several neighborhoods still have no power. Some areas also have fallen trees and downed power lines and should be considered off limits, police said. 

Residents are asked to limit trick-or-treating to daylight hours and familiar neighborhoods. All children should be accompanied by a parent during trick-or-treating, police said.

***

5 p.m.

South Brunswick schools are officially closed on Monday as the district will explore options to make up the time lost during a week of closures due to Hurricane Sandy.

Five district schools remain without power, numerous roads are closed from fallen trees (see list below), and there are major intersections that still do not have power.

“I considered all aspects of trying to get the students back in school, but the safety of the buses and student drivers led me to cancel school for Monday," said Superintendent Gary McCartney via release.

At the Board of Education meeting on Monday night at Crossroads North Middle School, Dr. McCartney said the district plans to have the school year calendar modified to have classes held on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9. Those dates were originally scheduled to be days off for the annual NJEA convention, which was cancelled last week due to the damage in Atlantic City. The district is expected to provide an update on Monday about the rest of the school week. 

***

3:15 p.m.

Township Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz said Sunday afternoon that normal polling locations for Election Day will be in effect.

"We're going to assume the regular polling stations will be ready, but if anything changes we will update that (Monday)," Schmalz said. "Power is coming back around town and there are a lot of crews out."

Click here for South Brunswick polling locations.

An announcement regarding school closings will be made at 4 p.m.

***

2 p.m.

The township reports PSE&G currently has 3,000 linemen and tree crews working in the Central Jersey area. The utility company emphasized that they will not leave South Brunswick until all power has been restored, according to township officials. 

On a conference call with the media this morning, Ralph LaRossa, President and Chief Operating Officer of PSE&G, mentioned the company has no way of knowing which customers have no service, unless customers call and tell them. The number to report an outage is 800-436-PSEG (7734).

Power was reportedly restored to the Independence Way area this afternoon. For residents still without power, the township continues to operate three shelters and charging stations, with an overnight shelter at the South Brunswick Senior Center. The Community Center on New Road and the South Brunswick Public Library are available as day warming shelters and charging stations.

Normal garbage collection will begin tomorrow (Nov. 5), while recycling collection will resume on Nov. 12.

Local roads still closed:

East of Route 1 

• Bernadette Circle – Tree down
• Culver Road – Tree and wires down by Tall Timbers Park
• Deans Rhode Hall Road between Route 535 and Fresh Ponds Road – Tree and wires down 
• Fresh Ponds Road between East Brunswick and Davidson Mill Road – Pole and wires down
• Major Road – Tree and wires down by the American Legion
• Selma Drive – Low hanging wire
• White Pine Road – Tree and wires down
• Georges Road: Closed at Viking Way with two lanes channeled due to tree and wires down; Summerfield traffic light out at Route 522; Distribution Way – low hanging wire 

West of Route 1:

• Bedford Road – Wires down
• Joline Road – Tree and wires down
• Hodge Road – Tree on wires
• Cranston Road – Tree and wires down
• Forrestal Road – Tree in road 
• Pinter Lane – Wires and trees down 
• Springdale Road – Wires and trees down 
• Cleveland Lane – Wires down 
• Emerald Road - Tree and wires down

***

Sunday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.

South Brunswick officials are holding a series of meetings Sunday to determine a course of action regarding Election Day, Halloween and school closings.

"It's now been seven days since our emergency management operations kicked in and we're still going around the clock," said police spokesman Sgt. Jim Ryan on Sunday morning. "We're working as hard as we can to get the best information out about what we know. We're holding several meetings today to determine the status of Election Day, Halloween and school closings. After those meetings, we'll have better information about where we stand with all those things."

Halloween in particular is a concern to police due to a number of downed trees still in the area, after hundreds fell on almost every road in town during the storm. With school closings, there are still four schools without power, Sgt. Ryan said.

"Safety is our paramount concern," he added. "Numerous trees and wires are still down. Traffic lights south of Major Road are still out. We're hoping to make some progress today."

Police stress that there are still dangers people need to be aware of. Yesterday, a male near Brunswick Acres was critically injured after falling 30 feet while trying to remove a downed tree from his home.

Police also urge people running generators to keep them as far from their homes as possible. Sgt. Ryan said a number of calls have come in for people with elevated CO2 levels in their homes from generator fumes. 

"Even though the storm has passed, people need to remain cautious," he said.

Patch will provide an update later today regarding Election Day, Halloween and school closings as soon as information becomes available.

On a conference call this morning, Ralph LaRossa, president and chief operating officer of PSE&G, mentioned the company has no way of knowing which customers have no service, unless customers call and tell them. The number to report an outage is 800-436-PSEG (7734).

***

Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m.

South Brunswick Police report ongoing progress in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

Route 27 is now open in both directions. New Road, Broadway Road and Miller Road are now clear of blockages and open to traffic as well. Traffic signals are now operational at Route 522 and Georges Road, in addition to Route 130 and Deans Rhode Hall Road.

Power has reportedly been restored in parts of the Royal Oaks Apartments, parts of the Summerfield Development, Liberty Mall, the Jordan Way area, Blackhorse Lane, the Broadway Road area, and the Quincy Circle area. 

Residents should call 800-436-7734 to check on the status of their area's work order. Police said in some cases the system is reading that power has been restored when it hasn't, so residents need to make sure PSE&G is notified if there is still no power. 

There are 10 gas stations now open in the township on major highways, though gas rationing is in effect. Plates containing an even number as their final numerical digit can fill up on even numbered days of the month, while plates containing an odd number as their final numerical digit can fill up on odd numbered days of the month.

***

Saturday, Nov. 3, 3 p.m.

The township has regained power at the Ridge Road and Route 1 intersection. East-west travel between Monmouth Junction and Kingston is now possible. 

Power has also been regained at the intersections of Route 535 at Deans Rhode Hall Road, and Route 535 and Ridge Road. Police said its unclear if the neighborhoods adjacent to the lights have regained power.

Areas reporting restored power in the last 12 hours are Renk Farm Road, areas near Schalks Crossing Road, parts of Fresh Impression, parts of Oaktree Road, parts of Deans Pond Crossing. Power has also been restored to the traffic light at the Route 130 and Deans Rhode Hall Road intersection. 

South Brunswick Police have added increased patrol officers in the areas of town hit hardest from the power outages. 

“While there has been no problems, we want to reassure residents that we are monitoring the situation," said Chief Raymond Hayducka via release.

Hayducka, Mayor Frank Gambatese and Township Manager Bernhard Hvozdovic participated in a conference call with the PSE&G Regional Manager for South Brunswick Township. They continued to emphasize the hardship endured by South Brunswick residents and asked for added resources to restore power, according to police. PSE&G has sent additional crews to town and said they would remain until power is fully restored.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, located at 142 Sandhill Road in Monmouth Junction, has electricity and a functioning kitchen. They're welcoming anyone from the South Brunswick community to use these facilities through next week, with a break on Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Sunday services, or until full electrical power is restored. 
The facilities provide electricity, heat, and a kitchen.

A system of gas dispensation began today to combat long lines at the pump in 12 counties throughout the state.

According to a release from the Governor's Office, citizens of the following counties are now limited on the days in which they can fill up their gas tanks, as per the state Office of Emergency Management: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

According to the state, plates containing an even number as their final numerical digit can fill up on even numbered days of the month, while plates containing an odd number as their final numerical digit can fill up on odd numbered days of the month.

The number to look for is the final numerical digit contained in the plate number, whether it is the final character on the plate or not, according to the governor's office.

Any resident impacted by the storm is encouraged to register for assistance by calling FEMA. FEMA will be setting up a disaster recovery center in East Brunswick, so residents should call now to get an assigned case number. 

A Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) will be offered, which is a food assistance program that carries income eligibility. 

You can call to apply: 1-800-621-3362 
TTY number: 1-800-462-7585 
Apply online at: www.disasterassistance.gov 
Smartphone at: m.fema.gov

***

Friday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m.

Police are reporting that FEMA representatives came to South Brunswick Friday to help assess the damage in town.

PSE&G has promised additional resources to South Brunswick within the next day. The township briefed the company on the scope of the outages, but PSE&G could not provide a specific time table for restoration other than 7 days. South Brunswick's warming day shelter, charging stations, and showers are all still operation for those in need.

Power has been restored to the Finnegans Lane and Route 1 intersection, but it's unclear if the restored power applies to the Finnegans Lane homes affected by the outage. 

Power remains out in the following areas that were previously believed to have been restored: parts of Fresh Impressions Development, Tamaron Woods, The Villagio, and parts of Friendship Road. 

Gas stations now open:

• Wawa - Route 535 and Deans Rhode Hall Road 
• Valero – Route 27 and Allston Road 
• Valero – both locations Route 130 at Distribution Way and Dey Road 
• Valero – Route 1 by Deans Lane 
• Lukoil – Route 27 
• Sunoco – 27 and 18 
• Shell – Route 1 and Finnegans Lane 

Friday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.

The township continues to have power restored as the recovery process continues. Two schools have now regained power as crews are working on clearing additional fallen trees, police said.

With Route 1 and Route 130 now open in both directions, travel was less congested Friday morning than the previous few days in South Brunswick.

The following areas had power restored in the last 12 hours:

• The Grande 
• Fresh Impressions 
• Tamaron Woods 
• Tamaron Hollow 
• Heather Knolls 
• The Villagio 
• South Brunswick High School 
• Monmouth Junction Elementary School 
• Wexford development 
• The Point at Turnbury 
• Crossroads of Princeton 
• Hickory Ridge 
• Walden Pond development 
• Friendship Road 

If any of these locations are still without power in the last twelve hours and are not on the list email jryan@sbtnj.net. 

***

Thursday, Nov. 1, 9:30 p.m.

The residents of the Wynwood development and Princeton Gate briefly regained power this evening before a fire left them in the dark again. At approximately 6:45 p.m., a transformer fire on a Route 1 utility pole caused the two areas to lose power a few hours after it was restored.

Township officials are speaking daily with PSE&G, as the company maintains the same restoration time of 7 to 10 days. South Brunswick OEM said they let PSE&G officials know they are aware of the scope of township outages and are monitoring their progress.

Progress continues to be made on South Brunswick roads. Georges Road is open with the exception of the Deans Rhode Hall Road area. Route 130 is now open in both directions.

The following roads are still blocked by fallen trees and utility poles:

• Route 27 between Beekman Road and Henderson Road 
• Deans Rhode Hall Road at Fresh Ponds Road 
• Georges Road between Deans Rhode Hall Road and Distribution Way 
• Smaller side streets also have blockages not listed 

Drivers looking to cross over Route 1 can use the following intersections:

• Major Road and Sandhill Road
• Beekman Road and Northumberland Way
• Deans Lane 
• Henderson Road  

All other intersections are all blocked due to traffic light outages. 

7 p.m.

PSE&G has cleared the downed utility poles on Route 130 north and the roadway has been reopened. However, there is no power to the traffic signal at the intersection of Route 522. 

North-south travel routes in South Brunswick now has Route 1 and Route 130 open.

2 p.m.

The damage from Sandy has postponed school in South Brunswick until at least the beginning of next week, and possibly longer.

“Eight of the schools are without power, one roof was blown off a temporary classroom, a baseball dugout and shed were destroyed by high winds, and numerous trees were knocked down," said Superintendent Gary McCartney. “It is my desire to bring the students back to school as soon as possible, but only when we can ensure their safety.”

Dr. McCartney will provide an update to students, parents, and staff on Sunday afternoon on the status of schools for next week. The district email server has been in and out of commission during the storm. An auto dialer message will be utilized for the announcement as well.

***

1 p.m.

The township is continuing recovery efforts following the mass devastation from Sandy.

Utility crews are now on scene working to clear downed utility poles from Route 130 north, which made the morning commute extremely difficult, police said. The ongoing power outages forced the postponement of township events through the weekend. 

A large portion of town remains without power Thursday afternoon. PSE&G is still giving a 7 to 10 day time frame to South Brunswick for full restoration.

More than 250 residents used the warming and charging stations Thursday morning set up at the South Brunswick library and community center. A dozen residents used the shower facilities at the South Brunswick Family YMCA, who opened their doors to all residents in need.

The following gas stations are operational, but reporting extensive delays:

• Valero - Route 130 and Distribution Way 
• Valero - Route 130 and Dey Road
• Valero - Route 27 and Alston Road 

The Shop Rite at 400 Renaissance Blvd. off Route 130 in North Brunswick now has full power and is open. 

The weekend rabies clinic, Viking 5K race at South Brunswick High School, and tonight's Zoning Board meeting have all been cancelled. 

The municipal building is open and staffed to assist community members with various problems. The Senior Center is closed and still being used as a shelter. 

***

Thursday Nov. 1, 9 a.m.

Several parts of town saw their lights come back on Wednesday night reducing the 70 percent of South Brunswick still without power.

Included were parts of Kingston, Fair Acres, the Kingston Terrace area, the Highgate development, and sections of Kendall Park. 

This was one of the larger restorations of power since the storm hit. Work is ongoing to bring the rest of the township back online. South Brunswick officials said the latest estimates from PSE&G for power restoration is 7 to 10 days from yesterday (Wednesday). 

***

Wednesday Oct. 31, 9 p.m.

Township police and public works were able to clear several roads of fallen trees to allow for travel, including Route 1.

Blockages to the following roads are now clear allowing for travel Thursday: 

• Route 1 in both directions 
• Raymond Road 
• Deans Lane 
• Academy Road 
• Stouts Lane 
• Eiker Road 
• East New Road 
• Major Road from Northumberland Way to Route 1 

Remaining road closures from fallen trees, utility poles, and wires:

• Route 27 between Beekman Road and Henderson Road 
• Route 130 – northbound between Ridge Road and Deans Rhode Hall Road 
• Deans Rhode Hall Road at Fresh Ponds Road 
• Georges Road between Deans Rhode Hall Road and Distribution Way 
• Georges Road between Haypress Road and Weatherhill Way 
• Various smaller streets not listed here also have blockages 

Drivers who are looking to cross over Route 1 should use the following intersections:

• Major Road
• Sand Hills Road
• Beekman Road/Northumberland Way, Deans Lane, or Henderson Road. 

The other intersections are all blocked due to traffic light outages. 

***

5 p.m.

South Brunswick Township announced today a recovery plan to deal with the mass power outages and road closures in the wake of Sandy.

South Brunswick is establishing a daytime warming center, a daytime activities center, an overnight shelter, charging stations, and a location for showers. 

“These centers we are setting up are meant to provide some comfort to the thousands of residents affected by the outages," said Township Manager Bernard Hvozdovic. “All our emergency services and public works staff are working hard in very difficult circumstances."

Hvozdovic joined with Office of Emergency Management Director and South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka to meet with various township department heads, along with Mayor Frank Gambatese, the entire Township Council and state Assemblywoman Donna Simon, to set up relief for residents without power.

The plan calls for the following centers and shelters to be open Thursday: 

Day warming center and charging location:

• South Brunswick Public Library at 110 Kingston Lane Monmouth Junction from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The SBPL has 36 internet-ready computers and numerous charging outlets. Staff will be on hand from township police and library personnel to assist. 

Day activities and charging center location:

• South Brunswick Community Center at 124 New Road, Monmouth Junction from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Center has two indoor basketball courts, break rooms, television, and charging outlets. South Brunswick recreation staff will be on hand to assist. 

Shower facilities: 

• South Brunswick Family YMCA at 329 Culver Road in Monmouth Junction will open at 6 a.m. 

Executive Director Tom Libassi has opened his facility to all members of the community needing to use the showers and locker room. 

Overnight shelter: 

• South Brunswick Senior Center at 540 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction.

The shelter is offering emergency overnight accommodations but is currently at capacity. Anyone needing overnight shelter should call 732-329-4646. 

The South Brunswick Township Municipal building will be open on Thursday to assist the residents.

***

1:30 p.m.

South Brunswick officials said the latest estimates from PSE&G for power restoration is 7 to 10 days from today (Wednesday). 

The township OEM is creating long term plans to deal with the extended outage in South Brunswick by working with faith based organizations and the business community to coordinate the response. Officials estimate that half of the township is still without power.

The South Brunswick School district has cancelled school for Thursday, Nov. 1. Township OEM officials said they were unsure when schools would be able to reopen.

Garbage and recycling pickup has been suspended this week and will restart Nov. 5. Garbage collection will be on the regular schedule for pickup. Recycling collection will start Nov. 12. A special brush collection to clear the storm debris will be announced in the next few days.

Public service has prioritized the following for restoration: 

1) Transmission systems
2) Switch stations 
3) Public health and utilities facilities 
4) Residential - largest areas affected first 

The following is an overview of areas without power:

• Kingston area north of Heathcote Road, including Kingston Terrace area 
• Raymond Road area 
• Princeton Walk and Gate 
• Highgate development 
• Stouts Lane area including neighborhoods near high school 
• Kendall Park area including both sides of New Road 
• Monmouth Walk development 
• Dayton - Weatherhill Way development 

Route 1 has been reopened in both directions, north and south after bring closed earlier Wednesday morning.

***

1 p.m.

A large portion of South Brunswick is still without power. PSE&G was not able to offer an accurate estimate of when power would be restored other than Nov. 5. 

Route 27 South is reportedly closed from Henderson to Beekman. There is no operational traffic light at Route 1 and Finnegans Lane. Route 1 traffic was being diverted at Beekman Road as of noon.

The following gas stations in South Brunswick are operational:

• Valero - Route 130 and Davidson Mill Road 
• Valero - Route 130 and Georges Road 
• BP Gas Station - Route 130 and Davidson Mill Road 

The following locations for food are open:

• Target on Route 1 has limited food 
• Stop&Shop on Route 522 has limited food 
• Pierres Deli on Georges Road

***

Wednesday Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m.

Police are asking all residents to avoid travel if possible, as major problems still exist on township roadways. All north-south travel in town is still restricted due to downed trees and utility poles. The only north-south route open is the NJ Turnpike. 

Motor vehicle accidents are now blocking Route 1, utility poles are blocking Route 130 and Route 27, and major delays are being reported on each roadway.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jim Ryan said township roads are unable to handle the increased traffic and reported motorists driving around barricades. To travel north-south through town may take up to two hours or more.

Township officials are unsure of when South Brunswick schools may be able to reopen.

***

Tuesday Oct. 30, 9:15 p.m.

A snapped utility pole on Route 27 at Beekman Road has closed the roadway and completely limited north-south travel in South Brunswick. The only north-south route open in the township is the NJ Turnpike, police said.

***

7:30 p.m.

The emergency shelter at the South Brunswick Senior Center has reached full capacity. The township OEM requests people stay at their homes or try to make other arrangements with family or friends. 

7 p.m.

Travel in South Brunswick remains a major issue Tuesday evening, as numerous township roads remain blocked.

Police are concerned about an increase traffic Wednesday morning, with some roadways unready to handle the increased traffic. Officials are warning motorists to expect extensive traffic delays. Many road blockages in town will not be cleared for three to five days due to the overwhelming amount of damage caused by the Hurricane Sandy.

Route 1 is closed in both directions between Beekman Road and Major Road.

Route 130 is closed in both directions, southbound at Route 522, and northbound at Georges Road in Dayton. Police said the best alternate route is the NJ Turnpike, Route 535, or Route 27.

There is currently no east-west travel route in South Brunswick without a blockage. The best alternative is to take Route 1 north to Henderson Road or Route 1 south to College Road.

A new date for Halloween activities will be announced by the township on Wednesday. A shelter remains set up at the South Brunswick Senior Center for those in need.

***

3 p.m.

South Brunswick is still conducting recovery operations after hundreds of downed trees and telephone poles. 

South Brunswick Schools will be closed on Wednesday due to the power outages still affecting the township.

As of 4 p.m., the township will be opening an emergency shelter at the South Brunswick Senior Center, located at 540 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction. 
The South Brunswick Water and Sewer Department has advised residents that the town's water supply is safe. 

There is currently no east/west travel over Route 1, as many traffic lights in town are still inoperable. Downed power lines all over South Brunswick also forced the closing of numerous local streets. Township roadways are still extremely hazardous and residents are asked to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. 

Halloween has been suspended for tomorrow due to safety concerns and will be rescheduled at a later date, police said.

Township garbage and recycling pick-up has also been suspended until a later date. Municipal offices will be closed on Wednesday except for essential personnel working on storm issues.

PSE&G is still working to restore power to thousands, after the entire township lost power during the storm.

***

12 p.m.

South Brunswick officials are estimating that it will take weeks to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in the township.

High winds caused hundreds of trees to fall throughout town, and dozens of utility pole, as well. Township public works officials are working to clear trees that did not fall on wires from the roadways.

The Kingston, Kendall Park and Monmouth Junction Fire Departments responded to over 50 fire calls in the last 24 hours, while township EMS handled nearly 80 calls for service.

The South Brunswick Emergency operations center received over 500 calls for assistance during the storm.

Township roads remain extremely hazardous and police urge citizens to avoid traveling unless it is necessary. There is one reported gas station open in town, the Valero Gas Station on Route 130.

Thousands of people are still without power. PSE&G has not provided an update on when power may be restored fully to the township.

Township officials will release long term planning for storm recovery later this afternoon.

***

10 a.m.

Police report that power has been restored to a large portion of the township, including the Route 1 corridor. Traffic signals along Route 1 are operational again.

Most South Brunswick businesses appear to be closed Tuesday as the township works to clear countless downed trees and dozens of utility poles from numerous roadways.

The Stop&Shop on Route 522 is open, but there are no known gas stations working in the township at this time, police said. Police ask residents to limit travel to allow emergency crews to clean up the storm damage.

***

9:30 a.m.

South Brunswick emergency management officials are still working Tuesday morning to assess the full extent of the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

The majority of South Brunswick is still without power. PSE&G reported massive flooding, with several substations experiencing several feet of water. No estimates are available yet for the restoration of power. Over two million New Jersey residents are estimated to have lost power during the storm.

Route 1 and Route 130 in South Brunswick are completely blocked due to downed utility poles. Police report most township roads are also blocked due to downed trees and poles.

"One officer described it as a war zone," said Sgt. Jim Ryan Monday evening. "It's just complete devastation. The time it will take to restore this will be lengthy." 

Residents are asked to refrain from driving on township roads to allow emergency crews to work. It could take a majority of the day to fully determine the scope of the massive damage in South Brunswick.

"I really can't even describe it," Sgt. Ryan said. "It will take us weeks to get back up. People are worried about tomorrow, I'm worried about Saturday. This is unprecedented."

Patch will continue to provide status updates as information becomes available.

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