By Steven Williamson
Acting Metro Editor
The University's favorite piece of highway is still in the midst of a $200 million facelift that puts even Hollywood's elite to shame.
Route 18, which runs parallel to the Raritan River, is entering another new phase of its reconstruction plan. The project, which was initiated in the spring of 2005, is entering its third year of construction.
The new phase calls for the opening of the ramp from New Street onto the southbound section of Route 18 tomorrow. But with one opening comes another closing, as the Albany Street to Route 18 south ramp will be shut down starting Monday.
Officials at the New Jersey Department of Transportation are optimistic about the project.
"Right now, we are actually ahead of schedule," DOT spokesman Tim Greeley said.
He cited the recent unseasonable weather in New Jersey as a catalyst for the reconstruction.
"Normally, we wouldn't be able to do the sort of work we're doing right now," Greeley said. "We're getting work done on the soil and the embankment, and crews have begun work on the intersection as well. It seems that this winter weather has helped us very favorably."
Although the opening of the New Street ramp should help abate some traffic congestion in that area, motorists are now faced with the Albany Street ramp being shut down. In response to this, Greeley said, the DOT has composed two recommended detour routes to help improve traffic flow and get people where they need to go.
Travelers on Albany should continue up and turn left onto Neilson Street, Greeley said. They should then proceed to make a left onto New Street, and use the newly opened ramp to access Route 18 south.
The second route involves making a right onto Johnson Drive from Albany Street, Greeley said. Motorists should follow Johnson and turn onto George Street, eventually making a left onto Bishop Street and reentering Route 18 South.
The DOT has set up several systems with which to keep motorists informed about the constant changes that Route 18 undergoes. The DOT sponsored Web site, njcommuter.com, keep drivers informed with frequent traffic updates. It features traffic cameras, real time traffic information, and updates on any new construction projects.
In addition to adding extra express lanes and shoulders, the project seeks to beautify many of the areas surrounding Route 18, by adding new landscaping and improving the land around Boyd Park. The park will also see the construction of a new boat ramp and picnic area, along with increased parking space. Bike paths, walking paths and overpasses will also be added to the highway to facilitate its use for pedestrians.
The project saw a great increase in progress in 2006, with construction beginning near the Commercial Avenue intersection. Construction on a retaining wall along Gibbons Drive, near the New Gibbons residence hall, also began in the fall of last year. The good weather over winter break provided the construction teams ample opportunity to get work done on these sections.
Although Greeley said the new phase did not have a set end date, he reinforced how pleased his department was with the pace of the reconstruction.
"The contractor is able to be on the site everyday, and we are all very pleased with the progress of this project," he said.
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