Route 202, First Avenue Intersection Improvement Project Moves Forward In Raritan

RARITAN, NJ — Drivers traveling on Route 202 through Raritan may have noticed a mass removal of trees and brush.

"The tree cutting operation on Route 202 southbound is part of the Route 202 and First Avenue Intersection Improvement project," a spokesperson with the New Jersey Department of Transportation told Patch.

This is to make room for the $11.4 million project, which will realign the ramp from Route 202 South to First Avenue, widen the intersection, and make drainage improvements "to reduce congestion and improve operational performance of the intersection," according to the NJDOT.

Tree cutting was seen in the middle of the First Avenue jughandle and along Route 202 from the Somerville Circle into First Avenue.

The tree removal operations on Route 202 southbound began in mid-February. Traffic impacts are expected to begin in mid-April, according to NJDOT.

NJDOT will provide advanced notice before any lane closures.

The NJDOT presented the plan in September 2023. The project looks to add an additional lane to both sides of Route 202 at that intersection by widening the highway into the grass median and adding a concrete barrier.

The current jughandle for the First Avenue exit off Route 202 will also be closed and replaced with grass. The exit will then be relocated onto Leland Street, which will extend around the office buildings and parking lot at 600 First Avenue to connect with First Avenue.

Danbury Avenue, which currently connects with Leland Street, will then be closed off and made into a cul-de-sac.

Additionally, the northbound lanes on First Avenue at the Route 202 will be relabeled as one left turn only lane, one through lane, and one right turn only lane.

The project had initially been projected to begin in Spring 2025 with a completion of Summer 2026.

NJDOT told Patch of Friday that "the entire project is expected to be completed in fall 2027."

See the full presentation from NJDOT in 2023 below:

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.