Officials Urge Drivers to Heed Barricades

Despite recommendations to continue to stay off the roads, officials said traffic is an issue throughout town with the power outages having affected traffic signals on major highways.

"The reality of the situation exceeds routine traditions," said Bridgewater Township Police Chief Richard Borden. "We still have issues with traffic signals not functioning at intersections and people driving through barricaded areas."

Those barricades, Borden said, are up for reasons of safety and should not be moved or ignored. For those people who choose to drive around them, he said, there will be enforcement action taken by police officers.

"We urge all drivers to heed the barricades," he said.

Still, Borden said, they recommend that people stay off the roads.

"Due to the constantly evolving situation, we are still urging residents to curtail unnecessary travel," he said. "Employers are obviously now beginning to call people back into work. We emphasize extreme caution particularly at intersections without any traffic controls."

Borden said the department is currently working to rectify all traffic situatons with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the local utility companies.

Bridgewater Township Mayor Dan Hayes said the Department of Public Works crews are still out and continuing to work on cleanup throughout the township.

"The biggest concern is added traffic as more people are out," he said. "We are working on traffic management plans."

As for shelters while power is still out, Borden said the only shelter currently activated is the Manville VFW after the Raritan Valley Community College lost power Tuesday.

"We have been advised [the Manville VFW] is at full capacity," he said. "If there is an emergency situation, residents should call 911 and we will connect you directly with our local OEM representatives."