Route 18 Construction Work Begins Friday

As part of the ongoing NJ Turnpike Exit 9 expansion project, Route 18 will be reduced from three lanes to two on the northbound side of the roadway starting Dec. 13. 

The roadway will go to two through lanes and one turn lane between the off ramp to the Turnpike and Naricon Place for approximately one year during the project.

The Exit 9 expansion project includes widening the ramp that connects Route 18 southbound and the turnpike to two lanes, and improving the exit ramp merging onto Route 18 north. 

Turnpike officials have said Exit 9 is in need of operational and safety improvements to deal with a high volume of traffic entering and exiting the toll plaza. 

Residents of Lawrence Brook previously asked the Turnpike Authority during a public meeting in August to build a barrier wall between their properties and the roadway due to concerns over a potential drop in the value of homes due to the increased noise from traffic and construction, concerns for possible structural damage from the constant vibration, and safety issues. 

Mayor David Stahl announced at an October Township Council meeting that the township reached a deal with the Turnpike Authority to construct a sound wall that will provide a buffer for residents of Lawrence Brook from the issues that have arisen as a result of the project.

Stahl noted the agreement involves a creative plan for cost sharing the project between the township and the NJ Turnpike Authority. The exact details of how much of the cost will be borne by each entity remains to be ironed out, he said.