At this week’s council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen took time to address one of the most common concerns shared by East Brunswick residents — roadwork and traffic. While the orange cones and detours may be frustrating, the mayor made it clear that the township’s long-term infrastructure plan is both responsible and necessary.
Every year, East Brunswick allocates roughly $2–4 million dollars toward road improvements, ensuring that aging infrastructure gets the attention it needs. This year, $2.7 million has been set aside for the upcoming paving projects.
“We do this every year so we can get the best possible rates,” Mayor Cohen explained. “It would be foolish to wait until spring when most companies are already booked. By bonding now, we save taxpayer money.”
The mayor also emphasized why the township doesn’t release a detailed list of roads months in advance. Weather and changing conditions can alter the schedule, and publishing early lists often leads to confusion when priorities shift.
“We don’t publish that list until we’re close to starting,” he said. “Things can change after a tough winter, and we want to make sure the information we share is accurate.”
While many residents have voiced frustration over traffic delays, Mayor Cohen clarified that much of what people experience isn’t even township construction. Route 18, for example, falls under the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the township has no authority over when or how that work is scheduled. Similarly, projects by PSE&G are handled by the utility company, which is legally entitled to access its own lines for repairs or upgrades.
“We only ask that they coordinate with us so projects don’t overlap,” Cohen said.
In addition to township roads — of which there are about 180 miles — residents are also seeing improvements to county roads like Milltown Road, Cranbury Road, Ryders Lane, and Old Bridge Turnpike. Those projects are funded and managed by Middlesex County, which allocates funds across all 25 municipalities.
The mayor acknowledged that no matter when work is done, someone is inconvenienced — daytime projects affect commuters, while nighttime work can disturb sleep.
“People complain when it’s not done, and they complain when it is,” Cohen said with a smile. “Sometimes we just have to take a deep breath. When it’s finished, it will be better — I promise.”
Cohen reiterated that East Brunswick’s approach is proactive, not reactionary. The township coordinates closely with county, state, and private agencies to ensure projects don’t overlap unnecessarily, while continuing to invest responsibly in local infrastructure.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: safe, smooth, and sustainable roads for everyone who calls East Brunswick home.
🎥 We’ve cued up the clip so you can hear Mayor Brad Cohen explain it himself — straight from the meeting.
