Washington Road Bridge Closure and Detours Announced in Princeton, NJ
PRINCETON, NJ – The Princeton NJ Police Department announced the closure of the Washington Road Bridge over the D&R Canal from 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 2, until Saturday, January 13, 2024. This closure is essential for replacing temporary bridge bearings with permanent ones, following installations made earlier in the year.
Local access will be maintained between Route 1 and Nursery Road during the closure. However, extensive detours will affect both northbound and southbound traffic on Washington Road.
Southbound Detours:
- For southbound travel, motorists will be directed to turn left on Faculty Road, then right onto South Harrison Street/Lower Harrison Street, and finally right onto Route 1 southbound towards Trenton. The detour includes a right turn to CR 571/Hightstown/Princeton, leading back to Washington Road.
- Alternatively, drivers can turn right onto Harrison Street from Route 27/Nassau Street, then follow the same route to Washington Road.
Northbound Detours:
- Northbound motorists before the Route 1 intersection will be directed to turn right onto Route 1 northbound, take the Harrison Street exit, and continue westbound to Princeton via Harrison Street, turning left onto Route 27/Nassau Street southbound to return to Washington Road.
- Another option for northbound traffic involves turning left onto Route 1 southbound, taking the ramp to Alexander Road westbound, then turning right onto University Place, and finally turning right onto Route 27/Nassau Street northbound back to Washington Road.
Route 1 Detours:
- For those traveling on Route 1 northbound or southbound and wishing to enter Princeton via Washington Street northbound, the detour involves using Alexander Road/Alexander Street or South Harrison Street/Lower Harrison Street.
The police department urges motorists to plan for additional travel time and to use the detour routes during this period. The replacement of the bridge bearings is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of the Washington Road Bridge.