N.J. breaks ground on $14M improvement at key Woodbridge intersection

We know, we know: New Jersey roads and intersections — with their unusual blends of jughandle turns and creative engineering — have a unique quality all to their own. Some, however, can use a little modernizing.

Such is the case in one spot in Woodbridge, where the state announced Friday the $12 million Route 9 and Main Street/CR514 Improvements Project, which will reconfigure the Route 9/County Road 514 intersection to relieve traffic congestion and improve pedestrian access along the corridor.

Improvements consist of roadway widening and traffic signal upgrades, drainage and stormwater management, and utility relocations.

Gov. Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge) and Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner Michael Russo joined Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac to break ground on the project, which is being funded through a county aid grant from the state’s transportation trust fund.

McCormac said he was grateful to get the assistance from the state to improve the key intersection.

“The $14 million funding commitment from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to reconfigure the congested Route 9 and Main Street intersection stands as the most significant transportation infrastructure improvement undertaken in Woodbridge Township in more than a decade,” he said.

“Once completed, this project will create a significantly improved Route 9 and Main Street intersection that will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and motor vehicle accidents and stand as a vital component to the downtown Woodbridge economic development initiative.”

A completion date was not announced.

Murphy said the project was an example of state and local teamwork.

“Our administration is committed to improving and bettering transportation infrastructure for the benefit of all New Jerseyans,” he said. “This project is an excellent example of how we are working to deliver projects that improve safety and the quality of life in our communities. Today’s groundbreaking will pave the way for community revitalization and smart development in Woodbridge, with the roads to accompany the resulting growth.”

County aid funds are apportioned from the Transportation Trust Fund based on population and road mileage in each county, and each county selects the projects that receive funding. Projects may be improvements to public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction, or other transportation-related work.