WASHINGTON ROAD CANAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY
APRIL 24, 2024
Due to on-going construction activities by the NJDOT at the Washington Road Bridge Replacement Project, the following-hard closure (i.e., no re-route available) will be in-place starting MONDAY, APRIL 29 extending through FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024.
The D&R Canal Multi-Use Trail will be closed between the Alexander Road and Lower Harrison Street access points in Princeton NJ.
We would like to ask that the public avoid this section of the towpath during this time. For more information, please call the D&R Canal State Park office at (609) 924-5705 or the Bulls Island office at (609) 397-2949.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is initiating the replacement of the Washington Road Bridge over the D&R Canal in Princeton, New Jersey. This project will address structural concerns with the original bridge via construction of a replacement structure.
PROJECT START DATE – JULY 28, 2023
TOWPATH REROUTE:
Canal Closure/Reroute:
However, floating docks will be installed to the north and south of the bridge directly adjacent to the pedestrian towpath which can be utilized as a portage (i.e., take-in/take-out points). Canal users will need to utilize these take-out points, walk along the above-referenced towpath reroute, and utilize the applicable put-in location.
This is a necessary bridge repair/replacement. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience to our park visitors and thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the duration of the project.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
SOUTHBOUND: The towpath will be closed starting at the Lower Harrison Street Parking Lot/access point.
NORTHBOUND: The towpath will be closed starting at the Alexander Road Parking Lot/access point.
BE ADVISED:
ESTIMATED DURATION – 4 MONTHS.
Due to the construction activities, the towpath in the immediate vicinity of the Washington Road Bridge will be closed; however, a reroute of the pedestrian towpath will be available for the full duration of construction. From the tow path, pedestrians will be guided northwest along the sidewalk of Washington Road (approx. 185 ft.), crossover through a pathway, and head southwest to the desired towpath entrance.
Due to the consistent presence of overhead hazards, narrow canal path below the existing bridge, and demolition of the existing bridge, waterway access to the canal in the vicinity of the bridge will be closed for the duration of the project.
