Navigating New Brunswick's Rt 18: Tips And Tricks

Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a major highway that connects the Jersey Shore to the Raritan Valley region. The route runs through several townships and is the main thoroughfare for Rutgers University. With ongoing construction and accidents, commuters often face delays and closures on this route. To avoid Route 18 in New Brunswick, travellers can opt for alternative routes like Interstate 287 or other local roads, especially when construction or accidents cause closures and delays.

Avoid Route 18 in New Brunswick, NJ, by taking the New Jersey Turnpike

If you're looking to avoid Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, you can take the New Jersey Turnpike as an alternative route. Here's a detailed guide on how to do that:

Getting onto the New Jersey Turnpike

Firstly, you'll need to get onto the New Jersey Turnpike, which is a system of controlled-access highways in New Jersey. The Turnpike is a major route that provides access to various localities and is one of the most heavily travelled highways in the nation.

Directions from North Jersey

If you're coming from North Jersey, you can take the Garden State Parkway South to the New Jersey Turnpike. Continue southwest on the Garden State Parkway and exit onto U.S.-1 N/US-1 S towards Newark/Trenton. Then, turn onto the on-ramp for Route 18 towards New Brunswick/East Brunswick/Old Bridge/South River.

Directions from South Jersey

For those travelling from South Jersey, you can get on the Garden State Parkway and exit onto Route 18 North. This will take you through East Brunswick.

Directions from the New Jersey Turnpike

Now, if you're already on the New Jersey Turnpike, you can simply continue on this road until you reach Exit 9. At Exit 9, take Route 18 South. You will pass by the Rutgers University boathouse and Elmer B. Boyd Park, Commercial Avenue, and New Street.

Continuing your journey

After passing through New Brunswick, you will cross over the Raritan River on the John A. Lynch Memorial Bridge into Edison. From here, you can continue your journey, having successfully avoided Route 18 in New Brunswick.

By following these directions and taking the New Jersey Turnpike, you can bypass Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Take public transport or use a ride-share service

If you want to avoid Route 18 in New Brunswick, NJ, one option is to take public transportation or use a ride-sharing service. New Brunswick has a well-developed transit system, offering local shuttles, buses, and trains that can help you get around the city without a car.

Public Transport

New Brunswick offers a range of public transportation options, including:

• Local Shuttles: The city operates several local shuttles, such as the 5th/6th Ward Shuttle (run by Rutgers) and the MCAT Shuttle (operated by Middlesex County). These shuttles provide convenient transportation within the city.
• Buses: Rutgers Campus Buses provide an extensive bus network, connecting all campuses and downtown New Brunswick. Additionally, NJ Transit operates five bus routes through New Brunswick: 810, 811, 814, 815, and 818.
• Trains: New Jersey Transit Train provides another option, with over 90 trains stopping in New Brunswick daily. The city is served by two stations: New Brunswick Station in downtown and Jersey Avenue in the southern portion.

Ride-Share Services

If you prefer a ride-share service, you can take advantage of the following options:

• Dial-A-Ride: This is a free curb-to-curb transportation service provided for elderly (60+), disabled, and low-income residents. Dial-A-Ride offers transportation to non-emergency medical, mental health, and physical therapy appointments, as well as visits to social service agencies. To use this service, you must qualify and call at least two business days in advance.
• App-based Ride Services: Middlesex County has launched a new app-based ride service in New Brunswick called "RIDE On Demand." This service provides unlimited free rides during the first two weeks and aims to address transit gaps where buses and trains are scarce or inefficient.

Plan your journey for a time when Route 18 is less busy

Route 18 is a busy 42.8-mile-long state highway in New Jersey, which runs through East Brunswick and is the main thoroughfare for Rutgers University. It is a major route through central New Jersey, connecting the Jersey Shore to the Raritan Valley region.

To avoid the busiest times on Route 18 in New Brunswick, it is best to plan your journey for the early morning or late at night. The route is busiest during the morning and evening rush hours, typically between 7 am and 9:30 am, and 4 pm and 7 pm.

For example, overnight closures and detours are scheduled to start at 11 pm, and the road is also closed from 11 pm to 6 am following a crash. In addition, there are often lane closures during the day, for example, between 8 am and 6 pm, which may cause delays.

It is also worth noting that Route 18 is currently undergoing an $86.1 million federally funded construction project, which includes milling and paving, improvements to drainage systems and stormwater basins, utility relocation, and the installation of new sidewalks. This project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026, so it may be best to avoid Route 18 during peak times until then.

In addition to time-based planning, there are also specific days when Route 18 is typically busier. For example, there are often lane closures and crashes on Saturdays, which cause delays. Therefore, it may be best to avoid travelling on Route 18 on Saturdays if possible.

Overall, to avoid the busiest times on Route 18 in New Brunswick, plan your journey for early morning or late at night, and avoid the route on Saturdays if possible.

Check for accidents or road closures before you travel

When travelling on Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, it is important to check for accidents or road closures before setting off on your journey. This 42.8-mile-long state highway is a major route through central New Jersey, connecting the Jersey Shore to the Raritan Valley region. With such a high volume of traffic, accidents and closures are not uncommon, and it is always best to be prepared and check for any potential delays.

There are several ways to stay informed about accidents and closures on Route 18. One way is to check local news sources and traffic reports, which will often provide up-to-date information on any incidents or closures on the route. You can also follow the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT) on social media or check their website for updates, as they are responsible for maintaining Route 18 and will provide information on any ongoing construction projects or closures. In addition, local police may also provide information on road closures and accidents, so monitoring their social media accounts or checking their website can be helpful.

In addition to official sources, you can also utilise various travel and navigation apps on your smartphone, which often provide real-time traffic information. These apps may be able to alert you to accidents, closures, or heavy traffic on Route 18 before you start your journey, and can also suggest alternative routes to help you avoid any delays.

Checking for accidents or closures before travelling can help you anticipate potential delays and plan your route accordingly. It is also important to follow any detours or alternative routes that may be suggested by officials during times of road closures, to ensure the safety of both travellers and workers on the road. By staying informed and being flexible with your travel plans, you can help ensure a smoother journey on Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Use a different route, such as Route 138 or Route 27

If you're looking to avoid Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, one option is to take Route 138. Route 138 is a state highway located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, spanning approximately 3.52 miles (5.66 km). It serves as an important evacuation route during emergencies, with lanes that can be reversed to facilitate a smooth exit from the area. The highway passes through Wall Township, intersecting with several major roads, including Route 34, Route 444, and Route 18 itself.

Another alternative is Route 27, a state highway that runs through several communities, including New Brunswick, Highland Park, Edison, and Rahway. This route covers a longer distance of about 38.53 miles (62.01 km), starting from Princeton, Mercer County, and ending in Newark, Essex County. It is a two- to four-lane highway that passes through diverse urban and suburban environments. Route 27 intersects with various roads, including Route 18 in New Brunswick, Interstate 287 in Edison, and Route 35 in Rahway.

By opting for either Route 138 or Route 27, you can effectively bypass Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. These alternative routes offer different paths that may better suit your travel needs or help you steer clear of any congestion or incidents on Route 18.

Frequently asked questions