Road Closure Set For Bridge Replacement Project In Metuchen: See Where

The closure is necessary to install a temporary pedestrian bridge, the NJ Department of Transportation said.

By Sara Winick, Patch Staff

Jun 5, 2026 10:24 am EDT | Updated Jun 5, 2026 10:26 am EDT

METUCHEN, NJ — Drivers should be aware of a road closure and detour set to take place on Friday night, the NJ Department of Transportation (NJ DOT) said.

Grove Avenue is scheduled to be closed and detoured in both directions on Friday night on the bridge over Port Reading Railroad as a bridge replacement project advances in Middlesex County.

Beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday until noon on Saturday, Grove Avenue northbound and southbound are scheduled to be closed and detoured on the bridge over Port Reading Railroad.

The closures are necessary to install a temporary pedestrian bridge, NJ DOT said. The following detours will be in place:

Grove Avenue Northbound Detour:

Motorists on Grove Avenue northbound will be directed to turn left onto Middlesex

Avenue/Route 27

Turn right onto Central Avenue, which becomes Plainfield Avenue/CR 661

Turn right onto Oak Tree Road, back to Grove Avenue

Grove Avenue Southbound Detour:

Motorists on Grove Avenue southbound will be directed to turn right onto Oak Tree Road
Turn left onto Plainfield Avenue/CR 661, which becomes Central Avenue
Turn left onto Middlesex Avenue/Route 27, back to Grove Avenue

This $10 million federally funded project will replace the existing timber bridge carrying Grove Avenue over the Port Reading Railroad.

The bridge was built in 1900 and is in poor condition, officials said.

The project will be constructed in stages and will utilize Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques.

Work is being coordinated with the town to minimize the impact to the community and Metuchen High School, which is next to the bridge.

A temporary pedestrian bridge will be built to maintain pedestrian traffic during construction.

In summer 2026, after the school year is complete, Grove Avenue is scheduled to be closed and detoured to demolish and reconstruct the bridge using a precast structure.

The new bridge will have a reinforced concrete deck and maintain the same configuration with a 12-foot southbound lane, 11-foot northbound lane, 7-foot shoulders, and a sidewalk on the northbound side of the road.

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2027.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Drivers are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website 511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.