Major Road Crack Forces Evacuations, Closures Middlesex County NJ

A significant crack stretching about a quarter-mile on Smith Street in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, has forced the closure of the busy roadway, impacting local businesses and residents. Eighteen families were temporarily evacuated due to concerns that rain could destabilize the ground beneath the crack, although they have since returned home with sensors installed to monitor any shifts. The closure has caused extensive detours and traffic disruptions, as the road runs between the Perth Amboy border and Highland Avenue near major highways, including the Garden State Parkway and Route 9. Multiple agencies, including the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Middlesex County Roads Department, are conducting a full engineering review to assess the damage and determine the cause, which remains uncertain but may be related to nearby construction. Officials warn that repairs will take several months, and the entire road will need to be replaced, causing prolonged commuting problems in the area. The situation remains under close observation as authorities work to ensure safety and restore traffic flow.