NJDOT Promises to Wrap Up Route 18 “Before You Know It”… in 2028
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The infamous Route 18 Rehabilitation project in East Brunswick has officially become the town’s longest-running event, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) recently updated the East Brunswick Council on the project’s progress—or lack thereof.
The Project Timeline: From 2024… to 2028 (Maybe)
According to J.P. Ravetier of HNTB Corp., the project is technically slated for completion by “early 2028.” Ravetier assured residents, “Look, if you’ve already survived the construction for nine months, what’s a few more years? It’s practically right around the corner.”
Route 18 has been under construction since early 2023, and additional work requests have piled up. “We didn’t want people to get bored driving the same lanes, so we’re keeping it fresh by relocating an extra mile of gas mains and expanding the state’s fiber optic system,” explained Ravetier.
Roadblocks, Detours, and Traffic: The East Brunswick Experience
NJDOT engineer Jignesh Patel gave residents a glimmer of hope by saying, “We’re working both day and night to keep things moving…sort of.” Patel confirmed that while two lanes will stay open during the day, nighttime will see detours in full swing. “It’s a bit like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure for motorists,” he added.
An East Brunswick Police spokesperson commented, “We’re thrilled to be on-site daily, redirecting frustrated drivers. We consider it a team-building exercise in patience and public service.”
A Word from Our Local Officials: “This Is Fine”
Mayor Rick Applebaum tried to reassure the Council, stating, “Just think about all the exciting traffic pattern changes and detours we’ve got ahead. It’s all part of East Brunswick’s unique charm. Our residents wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Local resident and self-proclaimed “Route 18 Connoisseur” Lisa Markowitz expressed her hopes for the project. “I’ll be honest; I’ve given up on my commute times returning to normal. I’m just hoping to see it done before I have grandkids.”
