The Old Bridge Turnpike, also known as the New Brunswick–East Brunswick Turnpike, stands as a testament to the evolution of transportation in Central New Jersey. Established in the mid-19th century, this road played a crucial role in enhancing regional commerce and connectivity, reflecting a broader trend in New Jersey’s infrastructure development.
Origins and Early Development
The origins of the Old Bridge Turnpike can be traced back to 1865, when the East Brunswick and New Brunswick Turnpike Company was officially chartered to maintain and operate this route. At a time when private toll roads were the backbone of transportation infrastructure, the establishment of this turnpike was a strategic effort to facilitate the movement of goods and people between New Brunswick and Old Bridge.
A key legislative reference to the turnpike dates back to 1867, when a bill was introduced to charter the Spotswood and Old Bridge Turnpike. This move was part of a broader initiative in New Jersey to create better-maintained roadways that could support commerce, agriculture, and daily travel in the growing communities of Middlesex County. (From Newspapers.com)
Transition to a Public Highway
Initially, the Old Bridge Turnpike was a privately maintained toll road, but as New Jersey’s highway system modernized, the route was eventually integrated into the public transportation network. Over time, it became part of State Route S-24, which served as a major corridor before being bypassed by the modern Route 18.
By 1947, the New Brunswick section of the road was designated County Route 3R11, while the portion extending south into Middlesex County was known as County Route 3R10. In 1954, New Jersey adopted a standardized county road system, incorporating the turnpike into County Route 527 (CR 527), the designation it retains today.
Legacy and Modern Influence
The Old Bridge Turnpike remains an integral part of New Jersey’s transportation history, representing an era when privately funded roadways laid the groundwork for the extensive public highway system we rely on today. The turnpike’s construction and evolution mirror the state’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure, particularly in areas experiencing rapid economic and population growth.
Two former spur routes of CR 527 were also part of this transformation:
- The first CR 527 Spur in Somerset County later became what is now CR 651, CR 512, and CR 613.
- The second CR 527 Spur was re-designated as CR 608 and CR 649.
Through these changes, the Old Bridge Turnpike has transitioned from a privately managed toll road to an essential part of the state’s modern highway network, continuing to serve thousands of motorists daily. Its legacy is a reminder of the crucial role that 19th-century turnpike companies played in shaping the infrastructure of New Jersey.
The Old Bridge Turnpike’s history is one of innovation, expansion, and adaptation. From its chartered origins in 1865 to its modern role as County Route 527, this roadway has been a key component of New Jersey’s evolving transportation landscape. While it no longer functions as a toll road, its impact on commerce, travel, and infrastructure development remains significant.
As East Brunswick and Old Bridge continue to grow, the Old Bridge Turnpike serves as a historical marker of how early transportation networks paved the way for today’s advanced highway systems, ensuring connectivity and economic vitality for generations to come.
