NJ DOT Schedules Meetings to Discuss Route 1 Jughandle Closures

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced it will hold two public meetings to discuss an eight-week pilot project to restrict left turns and U-turns on Route 1 at Washington Road and Harrison Street. 

State officials want to reduce congestion along the Route 1 where the three right lanes of traffic becomes crowded with motorists queueing to make left turns, particularly during peak travel periods. 

The meetings are scheduled as followed:

• 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the West Windsor municipal building.
• 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Princeton Borough Hall.

Closing access to two of the major arteries into Princeton from Route 1 north has led to significant concern from Princeton residents and officials alike who see an already congested rush-hour commute potentially becoming even worse as commuters are routed along an already busy Alexander Road. 

Princeton Township Mayor Chad Goerner encourages interested residents to voice their thoughts on the matter. 

"I encourage the public to attend to voice their concerns, answer questions and become a part of actively evaluating this NJ DOT test," he said. "We have voiced our concerns about this 'concept' and want to make sure that our residents are aware of it."

During the trial period NJDOT will meet with stakeholders to evaluate whether the restrictions are effective in reducing Route 1 congestion and what the impacts are to local roads. Those discussions will help determine if the restrictions become permanent, are modified or discarded. 

NJDOT will collect traffic volume and trip-time data at numerous locations in Princeton Township, Princeton Borough, West Windsor and Plainsboro before and during the trial period. 

Temporary construction barrels and other measures will be used to divert traffic. If the trial is successful, permanent changes will be designed and installed at the intersections.  

Pilot details

Route 1 north and south motorists will be prevented from making left turns and U-turns at the Washington Road intersection. 

• Route 1 north motorists seeking to turn left onto Washington Road into Princeton can use the ramp to Alexander Road west.
• Route 1 northb motorists seeking to make a U-turn can use the ramp to Alexander westb and then take the ramp to Route 1 south.
• Route 1 south motorists seeking to turn left onto Washington Road or seeking to make a U-turn can use the ramp to Alexander Road east and then proceed to Route 1 north.

Route 1 northbound motorists will be prevented from making left or U-turns at the Harrison Street signalized intersection.

• Motorists can drive north along Route 1 to the Scudders Mill road interchange and take the U-turn ramp to Route 1 south and make a right turn at Harrison Street or continue south on Route 1.

For more details on this project, .