Route 1 Closed In South Brunswick; 'Numerous' Utility Poles Down

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A portion of Route 1 is closed Christmas morning in South Brunswick after an overnight storm brought down power lines and caused widespread damage, authorities said.

As of 11 a.m., Route 1 is closed between Beekman Road and Major Road. The northbound portion, between Major Road and Northumberland Way, could be closed to traffic for up to 24 hours, police said.

Route 1 southbound will be closed for 8 hours or more between Sand Hill Road and Beekman Road, police said.

Public Service Electric & Gas crews are working to restore service, but police said there are "numerous poles down." Five utility poles must be replaced along the closed, authorities said in an update.

Several other roads were closed, including:

• Route 27 in both directions from Allston Road to New Road, for at least eight hours.
• Friendship Road near New Road
• Meyer Road

Police said there is widespread damage from strong winds and heavy rain. At least 50 customers were without power.

Several inches of rain fell in many areas of the state and winds exceeding 50- and 60-mph also helped cause more than 73,000 power outages. Read more: Latest Updates On NJ Christmas Storm: Power Outages, Flooding