NJDOT: D&R Canal towpath will be closed at the Washington Road bridge next week

State officials say the closure of the canal towpath is necessary to complete work underneath the bridge over the D&R Canal

The D&R Canal towpath, which is enjoyed by many area runners, walkers, and cyclists in the Princeton area, will be closed next week in the area of the Washington Road bridge.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30 until 11:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, the D&R Canal towpath will be closed at Washington Road.

Pedestrians and cyclists on the towpath coming from either direction will have to turn around at Washington Road. Pedestrians and cyclists on Washington Road will not be able to access the D&R Canal towpath heading north toward Harrison Street. Access from Washington Road southbound onto the towpath toward Alexander Street will be open.

Officials said the closure is necessary for bearing work under the bridge.

The Washington Road Bridge over the D&R Canal between Faculty Road and Tiger Lane remains closed. Work on the bridge is nearing completion, but a specific date on when the bridge will reopen to vehicles has not yet been determined by officials at The New Jersey Department of Transportation. The bridge closure has caused major traffic jams in the region, adding 15 minutes to more than 45 minutes to travel times.