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80-551: The Somerville Circle joins U.S. Routes 202 and 206 , and New Jersey Route 28 . A bridge over the circle allows Route 202 to bypass the intersecting roads. Ever since the bridge was built in the 1990s, the New Jersey Department of Transportation no longer considers the Somerville Circle a traffic circle , but the intersection still contains a 360 degree loop, interrupted on one side with traffic lights . According to

160-881: A student–teacher ratio of 10.9:1. One of the largest suburban districts statewide, the district is the largest in Somerset County. Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Adamsville Primary School (532 students; in grades PreK–4), Bradley Gardens Primary School (263; PreK–4), Crim Primary School (342; K–4), Hamilton Primary School (477; K–4), John F. Kennedy Primary School (427; K–4), Milltown Primary School (402; PreK–4), Van Holten Primary School (334; K–4), Eisenhower Intermediate School (704; 5–6), Hillside Intermediate School (574; 5–6), Bridgewater–Raritan Middle School (1,384; 7–8) and Bridgewater–Raritan High School (2,747; 9–12). All schools in

240-700: A countywide basis are: Clerk Steve Peter ( D , Somerville , 2027), Sheriff Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2025) and Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025) As of March 2011, there were a total of 28,049 registered voters in Bridgewater Township, of which 6,468 (23.1% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as Democrats , 7,618 (27.2% vs. 25.7%) were registered as Republicans and 13,947 (49.7% vs. 48.2%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 16 voters registered to other parties. Among

320-762: A four-lane divided highway that heads through industrial and commercial areas. The road makes a junction with CR 685 (Promenade Boulevard) before coming to an interchange with I-287 . Past this interchange, the route continues into Bound Brook as a two-lane undivided road and heads through business areas. In Bound Brook, Route 28 intersects the southern terminus of CR 525 (Thompson Avenue) and CR 635 (Vosseller Avenue) before heading into more residential surroundings and crossing CR 527 (Mountain Avenue). Upon crossing Green Brook , Route 28 enters Middlesex in Middlesex County , where it becomes

400-607: A four-lane undivided road that continues northeast through residential neighborhoods, intersecting CR 622 (Raritan Avenue). The route heads into a mix of residences and businesses, turning more to the northeast and becoming Bound Brook Avenue at the intersection with Marlborough Avenue. It intersects CR 607 (Lincoln Avenue), where Route 28 narrows to two lanes, and Warrenville Road before crossing into Dunellen . Here, Route 28 heads east through residential and commercial areas before turning northeast to closely parallel NJ Transit ’s Raritan Valley Line (which runs to

480-520: A number of smaller rivers and streams run through Bridgewater. The Raritan itself runs along Bridgewater's southern border (except where Somerville and Raritan were carved out as separate boroughs) and the North Branch of the Raritan River forms the township's western border with Branchburg. The North Branch and South Branch of the Raritan River meet at the extreme southwestern corner of Bridgewater at

560-651: A relatively flat terrain, the northeastern portion of the township is very hilly, with the First Ridge of the Watchung Mountains (sometimes known as the First Watchung Mountain) passing through the township. Additionally, the Second Ridge (Second Mountain) passes north of the township border. The Raritan River and its branches and tributaries form much of Bridgewater's borders with other municipalities and

640-684: A result of the 1967 Plainfield Riots and 1967 Newark riots . Subsequently, Bridgewater started to receive an influx of residents who worked in the strong pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and financial industries in Bridgewater and the Raritan Valley. More recently, there has also been growth as Bridgewater has become more popular with New York City commuters who use the Bridgewater Station on New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley Line or Interstate 78 East to commute to New York City. Bridgewater

720-596: A staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held on the first Friday of January, the board selects a Director and deputy director from among its members. As of 2024 , Somerset County's County Commissioners are: Director Shanel Robinson ( D , Franklin Township , 2024), Melonie Marano (D, Green Brook Township , 2025), Paul Drake (D, Hillsborough Township , 2026), Douglas Singleterry (D, North Plainfield , 2026) and Deputy Director Sara Sooy (D, Bernards Township , 2024). Constitutional officers, elected on

800-469: A staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election together with the mayor and three seats up for vote two years later. At a reorganization meeting held in January after each election, the committee selects a council president and vice president from among its members. As of 2024 , the mayor of Bridgewater Township is Republican Matthew C. Moench, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027. Members of

880-481: A turnout of 80.8% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County). In the 2004 presidential election , Republican George W. Bush received 11,641 votes (55.5% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat John Kerry with 9,104 votes (43.4% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 170 votes (0.8% vs. 0.9%), among the 20,985 ballots cast by the township's 25,218 registered voters, for a turnout of 83.2% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county). In

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960-611: Is 26.44 mi (42.55 km) long. Its western terminus is at U.S. Route 22 (US 22) in Bridgewater Township , Somerset County , while its eastern terminus is at Route 27 in Elizabeth , Union County . From its western terminus, Route 28 heads east through Raritan , intersecting County Route 567 (CR 567) and then US 202 and US 206 at the Somerville Circle before heading through

1040-604: Is a township in Somerset County in the U.S. state of New Jersey , located within the heart of the Raritan Valley region . Situated within Central New Jersey and crisscrossed by several major highways, the township is known for being both the regional commercial hub for Somerset County (home to Bridgewater Commons and different corporate headquarters) and as a suburban bedroom community of New York City within

1120-523: Is a preserved portion of the land on which the army of George Washington encamped during the winter of 1778–1779, though the general himself stayed in a house in Somerville. The area also offers many parks and other recreational facilities, including Washington Valley Park . TD Bank Ballpark is home to the Somerset Patriots . The 6,100-seat stadium was constructed in 1999. As an independent team,

1200-524: Is also home to many Fortune 500 companies across various industries from software to financial services. Bridgewater Commons is a large regional shopping mall anchored by Bloomingdale's and Macy's , with a gross leasable area of 994,000 square feet (92,300 m ). There are also several smaller but substantial shopping areas such as Bridgewater Promenade, Chimney Rock shopping center, and Somerset shopping center. Washington Camp Ground (also known as Middlebrook encampment ), north of Bound Brook,

1280-501: Is being transitioned to Somerset County at an unknown time frame, joining nine other county municipalities that have emergency calls handled centrally and dispatched to each individual police department. The move is expected to save the township $ 4.5 million over 10 years, saving $ 4.50 on the average tax bill. Bridgewater has 75 officers who are a part of the Bridgewater Township Police Department, which includes

1360-566: Is in Raritan Valley (a line of cities in Central New Jersey). Bridgewater lies in the western division of the Raritan Valley along with Branchburg and Raritan. Bridgewater contains a number of communities and sections, many of which do not have officially defined boundaries. They include: According to National Geographic magazine, Bridgewater has an unusually high number of twins and triplets. The 2010 United States census counted 44,464 people, 16,111 households, and 12,035 families in

1440-684: Is named after the town of Bridgwater in the English county of Somerset . Tradition holds that it was at the Middlebrook encampment the first official flag of the United States was unfurled, after law to adopt a national flag had been passed by Congress on June 14, 1777. By special order of Congress , a Thirteen Star Flag is flown 24 hours a day at the Washington Camp Ground, part of the former Middlebrook encampment, in Bridgewater. Since 1889,

1520-586: Is now a fairly developed suburban community, with only a few traces of its rural past still evident in the town (particularly in its northwestern section). Bridgewater is now Somerset County's second-most populous municipality, after Franklin Township. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township had a total area of 32.36 square miles (83.81 km ), including 31.89 square miles (82.59 km ) of land and 0.47 square miles (1.23 km ) of water (1.46%). While much of Bridgewater has

1600-562: Is part of New Jersey's 23rd state Legislative District. Prior to the 2010 Census, Bridgewater Township had been part of the 7th Congressional District and the 11th Congressional District , a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 7th congressional district

1680-521: Is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. ( R , Westfield ). For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman ( D , Ewing Township ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session ,

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1760-473: The 1953 New Jersey state highway renumbering . By 1941, US 22 was eventually moved from Route 28 to follow Route 28-29 Link and Route 29 between the Somerville area and Newark . Also, US 22 was realigned to its current alignment along Route 24 and Route 24-28 Link in Phillipsburg, with the alignment along Route 28 becoming US 22 Alt. (now Route 122 ). In

1840-545: The 2000 United States census , there were 42,940 people, 15,561 households, and 11,888 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,323.4 inhabitants per square mile (511.0/km ). There were 15,879 housing units at an average density of 489.4/sq mi (189.0/km ). The racial makeup of the township was 83.07% White , 2.17% African American , 0.08% Native American , 11.54% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.89% from other races , and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.79% of

1920-636: The 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 72.7% of the vote (9,213 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.7% (3,261 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (193 votes), among the 12,834 ballots cast by the township's 29,774 registered voters (167 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 43.1%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 9,542 votes (61.7% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 4,491 votes (29.0% vs. 34.1%), Independent Chris Daggett with 1,238 votes (8.0% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 89 votes (0.6% vs. 0.7%), among

2000-591: The 23rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Doug Steinhardt ( R , Lopatcong Township ) and in the General Assembly by John DiMaio (R, Hackettstown ) and Erik Peterson (R, Franklin Township ). Somerset County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners , whose members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on

2080-513: The Garden State Parkway in Cranford before heading to Elizabeth, where it crosses Route 439 before ending at Route 27. Route 28 is a two- to four-lane road its entire length that passes through suburban areas and runs within a close distance of New Jersey Transit ’s Raritan Valley Line for much of its length. Prior to 1927, Route 28 was known as Route 9 , which

2160-538: The New York Metropolitan Area . The township is located roughly 32 miles (51 km) away from Manhattan and about 20 miles (32 km) away from Staten Island . Bridgewater Township was created by Royal charter on April 4, 1749, from portions of the Northern precinct . It was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships by the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, under

2240-534: The Township Act of 1798 . During the nineteenth century, portions of the township were taken to form Warren Township (March 5, 1806), Branchburg Township (April 5, 1845), Somerville (March 25, 1863), Raritan (April 3, 1868) and Bound Brook (March 24, 1869). As of the 2020 United States census , the township's population was 45,977, an increase of 1,513 (+3.4%) from the 2010 census count of 44,464, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,524 (+3.5%) from

2320-554: The 15,462 ballots cast by the township's 27,822 registered voters, yielding a 55.6% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county). Bridgewater is part of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District , which serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade from Bridgewater and Raritan Borough . As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of 11 schools, had an enrollment of 8,254 students and 754.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for

2400-559: The 1953 renumbering of state highways, which eliminated long concurrencies between U.S. and state highways, the western terminus of Route 28 was placed at the intersection of US 22 and Easton Turnpike in Branchburg Township, with the designation west of there dropped in favor of US 22 and US 22 Alt. In addition, Route 28 was moved to its current alignment in Elizabeth, replacing Route 27-28 Link; Route 439

2480-417: The 42,940 counted in the 2000 census . Bridgewater is a relatively large, suburban township located in the center of Somerset County. The area of the present Township of Bridgewater was originally purchased from a local Lenape Native American tribe. Bridgewater was chartered by George II of Great Britain in 1749, and incorporated on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's 104 original townships . It

Somerville Circle - Misplaced Pages Continue

2560-540: The Bridgewater Township Council are Council President Timothy Ring (R, 2027), Council Vice President Howard V. Norgalis (R, 2025), Michael Kirsh (R, 2027), Allen F. Kurdyla (R, 2025) and Filipe Pedroso (R, 2025). Since January 2020, the Township Administrator is Michael Pappas , a former member of Congress. Bridgewater Township is split between the 7th and 12th Congressional Districts and

2640-601: The Goethals Bridge. Meanwhile, the former alignment of pre-1927 Route 9 east became Route 27-28 Link, as it provided a connection between Route 27 and Route 28. A spur of Route 28, named Route S28 , was also legislated in the 1927 renumbering and was to run from Route 28 in Middlesex southeast to Route 4 (now Route 79 ) in Matawan . What was built of this route became Route 18 in

2720-543: The New Jersey Department of Transportation, the circle averages 11,786 vehicles a day. The Somerville Circle is located on the border between Bridgewater Township and Raritan, New Jersey , just slightly northwest of Somerville . The border runs down Route 28 with Raritan having a slightly larger portion of the circle within its borders. The border bisecting the circle usually causes minor confusion when accidents are reported as drivers are often not sure what side of

2800-880: The Patriots were a founding member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in 1998. The Patriots became the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the New York Yankees in 2021. 1 ( Eastern League ) Bridgewater Township is governed within the Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law), under the Mayor-Council system of municipal government plan 2, as implemented on January 1, 1984, based on actions of

2880-498: The Raritan Valley Line and Conrail Shared Assets Operations ' Lehigh Line before it intersects with C 617 (Faitoute Avenue/Gordon Street) and heads into the downtown area of Roselle Park. Here, the road comes to junctions with CR 619 (Locust Street) and CR 627 (Chestnut Street) before heading into residential areas. The route intersects CR 616 (Linden Road), forming a brief concurrency with that route until

2960-619: The Raritan Valley Line located a short distance to the northwest. The road extends through more suburban commercial areas before crossing CR 611 (Terrill Road), where Route 28 enters Fanwood . A short distance later, at the second intersection with Old South Avenue, the route becomes state-maintained again and continues past businesses, intersecting CR 655 (Martine Avenue) before it heads into residential neighborhoods and meets CR 601 (Laurel Place). Upon crossing CR 606 (Hetfield Avenue), Route 28 turns slightly more east and enters Scotch Plains , where it passes homes to

3040-419: The Raritan Valley Line located a short distance to the south, becoming a two-lane road before entering Garwood . In Garwood, the road heads through more commercial areas before intersecting Route 59 (Lincoln Avenue) on the border of Cranford . Route 59 is a short route that provides access to CR 610, passing under the Raritan Valley Line. In Cranford, Route 28 passes homes before entering

3120-572: The Township Committee. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the five-member Township Council. All members of the governing body are chosen at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election in odd-numbered years. The mayoral seat comes up for vote every four years and council members are elected to serve four-terms of office on

3200-560: The accident rate the New Jersey Department of Transportation installed yield ahead signs for approaching vehicles in February 1995. The signs made little difference and the accident rate remained high. Another attempt to make the circle safer came in November when the Transportation Department painted lane lines and arrows on the roads and replaced a yield sign with a stop sign . The new changes resulted in fewer accidents. Despite

3280-476: The border they are on and which town's police department has jurisdiction. More traffic accidents occur on the Raritan side of the circle than the Bridgewater side. In the late 1920s New Jersey was planning a series of highways to allow out of state traffic to bypass towns and called for counties in the state to build and maintain another series of roads for local traffic. Routes 202 and 206 were part of this plan and

Somerville Circle - Misplaced Pages Continue

3360-603: The border with both Branchburg Township and Hillsborough Township , and this point is known as the Raritan River Confluence was once intended to be a major reservoir. Bradley Gardens (with a 2010 Census population of 14,206 ), Bridgewater Center , Finderne (5,600 ), Green Knoll (6,200 ), and Martinsville (11,980 ) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Bridgewater Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within

3440-637: The central part of Somerville . Past Somerville, the route has interchanges with Interstate 287 (I-287) in Bridgewater Township before intersecting many 500-series county roads including CR 525 and CR 527 in Bound Brook , CR 529 in Dunellen , Middlesex County , CR 531 in Plainfield , Union County, and CR 509 in Westfield . Route 28 continues east, intersecting Route 59 and

3520-428: The circle by using nearby local roads. In 1991 there were 195 reported traffic accidents on the circle. In September 1991 construction began on a project to improve the circle. The project included an overpass that allows Route 202 to bypass the circle, and the inclusion of traffic signals. The project was completed in 1994. In the year after the overpass opened the circle saw 302 traffic accidents. In an attempt to lower

3600-403: The commercial downtown area of Plainfield, coinciding with the directional change of Fourth Street and Fifth Street from west to east. At the intersection with Roosevelt Avenue, Route 28 becomes 25 mph (40 km/h) two-way East Fifth Street, and the name becomes South Avenue at the intersection with Richmond Street. The route passes through urban residential and industrial areas, with

3680-459: The commercial downtown area, where it intersects CR 615 (Springfield Avenue/Centennial Avenue). From here, the road stretches through residential and commercial areas before widening into a four-lane divided highway and meeting the Garden State Parkway . Past this interchange, Route 28 becomes West Westfield Avenue and crosses into Roselle Park , where it continues through a mix of residences and commercial establishments. It crosses over

3760-477: The county route turns north onto Galloping Hill Road. At this point, Route 28 enters Elizabeth , where it continues through more urbanized residential areas before crossing Route 439 (Elmora Avenue). After the intersection with Route 439, the route continues past urban residences and business, narrowing into a two-lane undivided road at the intersection with CR 618 (Magie Avenue). A short distance later, Route 28 ends at an intersection with

3840-633: The design called for them to intersect west of Somerville at New Jersey Route 28. To improve traffic flow the intersection of the roads was turned into a traffic circle. The circle was built in the 1930s by the New Jersey Highway Department. The Somerville Circle was among many others built in New Jersey at the time, because the Highway Department believed that circles were an effective way to move traffic through three or more roadways. At

3920-410: The district are in Bridgewater except for Kennedy, which is in Raritan. The overwhelming majority of students in the district are from Bridgewater, with approximately 1,000 students from Raritan. Seats on the district's nine-member board of education are allocated based on population, with eight seats allocated to Bridgewater Township. During the 1999–2000 school year, Bridgewater-Raritan High School

4000-487: The establishment of the U.S. Highway System in 1926, US 22 was concurrently designated along the entire length of Route 9. A year later, in the 1927 New Jersey state highway renumbering , Route 28 was legislated to run from Phillipsburg east to the Goethals Bridge , replacing pre-1927 Route 9 between Phillipsburg and present-day Route 439 in Elizabeth, and following current Route 439 toward

4080-456: The first hoisting of the flag is commemorated annually each July 4 with a changing of the flag, a reading of the Declaration of Independence , and the delivery of a historical address. Until the 1960s, Bridgewater was largely known as a farming community. In the 1970s its population began to grow when residents of larger cities such as Plainfield and Newark started to migrate into Bridgewater as

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4160-494: The intersection with Union Avenue, Route 28 turns to the east to follow that road. The route continues past residential neighborhoods containing some businesses, briefly forming the border between Bridgewater Township to the north and Somerville to the south before fully entering Bridgewater Township. It intersects CR 633 (Finderne Avenue) before crossing Norfolk Southern 's Middle Brook Industrial Track line and CR 675 (Chimney Rock Road), where Route 28 widens into

4240-590: The middle of the Raritan River ), Franklin Township (the only street connection is Interstate 287 ), Manville (the only street connection is Finderne Avenue, a county highway), and Hillsborough Township (no direct street connection). Bridgewater Township's ZIP Code is 08807, with 08836 used in the community of Martinsville , and 08805 used in the Thomae Park section (mailing address of Bound Brook). Bridgewater's area codes are 908 and 732/848 . Bridgewater

4320-469: The modified Somerville Circle , where Route 28 intersects US 202 and US 206 . This traffic circle has been modified to allow US 202 to pass over and interchange with the circle, while US 206 and Route 28 continue through the circle. Past the Somerville Circle, Route 28 becomes a 35 mph (56 km/h) road named West End Avenue that intersects CR 644 (Frelinghuysen Avenue) just before entering Somerville . Here,

4400-432: The population were under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.8 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

4480-419: The population. Of the 16,111 households, 38.3% had children under the age of 18; 64.1% were married couples living together; 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 25.3% were non-families. Of all households, 21.8% were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.21. 25.5% of

4560-420: The population. 21.3% were of Italian , 17.1% Irish , 16.7% German and 11.8% Polish ancestry. There were 15,561 households, of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who

4640-411: The railroad line, the road intersects North Avenue, which heads west as CR 610 and east as Route 28. Meanwhile, CR 509 continues north on East Broad Street from this intersection. Route 28 continues east as a four-lane undivided road through the downtown area of Westfield, crossing CR 613 (Central Avenue). The route passes residences to the north and businesses to the south, with

4720-578: The route passes residences and crosses CR 643 (Mountain Avenue) before coming to an intersection with CR 626 (Somerset Street). At this intersection, Route 28 bears to the left and heads east on West Main Street, which proceeds through the business district of downtown Somerville. The route becomes East Main Street upon crossing Bridge Street. Upon leaving the downtown area, the route turns north onto Gaston Avenue and heads into residential areas again, as CR 612 continues east on Main Street. At

4800-412: The south and businesses to the north. It continues into Westfield , where it passes more residences and businesses. The road intersects CR 648 (Broad Street) before coming to a roundabout . Here, CR 610 continues east on South Avenue, and Route 28 heads north as a four-lane divided highway running concurrently with CR 610 that passes under the Raritan Valley Line. After crossing under

4880-524: The south of the route) as North Avenue. The route crosses CR 529 (Washington Avenue) in the downtown area of Dunellen. Route 28 crosses into Plainfield , Union County , where it becomes county-maintained Front Street, resuming northeast through residential and industrial areas before entering a more residential environment. The road encounters a mix of residences and businesses before intersecting Plainfield Avenue, where CR 620 continues northeast on West Front Street and Route 28 turns to

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4960-584: The southbound direction of Route 27 , which turns from Westfield Avenue to head south on Chilton Street. Route 28 follows the course of the Tuckaraming Trail, and old Lenape Trail that later became the Old York Road , the main road from New York City to Philadelphia . In 1917, Route 9 was designated by the state of New Jersey to run from Phillipsburg east to Elizabeth, passing through Clinton , Somerville, Plainfield, and Westfield. With

5040-432: The southeast on Easton Turnpike, a two-lane undivided road. Past this interchange, Easton Turnpike continues to the northwest as CR 614 . The route heads through predominantly residential areas, eventually forming the border between Raritan to the southwest and Bridgewater Township to the northeast. It intersects the northern terminus of CR 567 (First Avenue) before heading into business areas, where it comes to

5120-412: The southeast onto Plainfield Avenue. The route crosses the Raritan Valley Line before turning northeast on a one-way pair , with eastbound Route 28 along Fifth Street and westbound Route 28 along Fourth Street. CR 603 continues southeast on Plainfield Avenue from this point. The one-way pair, which has two lanes in each direction, passes residences before crossing CR 531 (Park Avenue) in

5200-425: The state spending US$ 26 million on the circle, local officials called for it to be bisected and turned into a five-way intersection with traffic lights. They asserted that the circle is still confusing, but no major changes have occurred since 1995. In 2007, the circle had 294 traffic accidents. New Jersey Route 28 Route 28 is a state highway in the central part of New Jersey , United States that

5280-960: The supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen . The headquarters of the Somerset County Library System is located in Bridgewater. In 2013, Stephen Kovacs joined the staff of Medeo Fencing Club in Bridgewater as a coach. He was accused in 2021 by detectives from the Bridgewater Township Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit of sexually assaulting two teenage fencing students in Bridgewater multiple times in 2020 and 2021; he died in Somerset County Jail in January 2022. The township's Communications Center handles all emergency calls with 11 full-time dispatchers and five part-time dispatchers as of 2013. The Bridgewater emergency dispatch

5360-517: The time the area around the circle was mostly rural, with the circle being named after Somerville because it was the nearest largest town. In its early days, the area included the Raritan Valley Inn, a place that was frequented by Irving Berlin . The home of New Jersey Senator Joseph Sherman Frelinghuysen, Sr. was also located by the circle. Frelinghuysen had supported the construction of the circle, but moved away years later because of noise from

5440-471: The township include Chimney Rock, Hobbstown, Middle Brook Heights, Milltown, and Sunset Lake. Bridgewater borders 13 other municipalities. Its longest borders are with Branchburg Township , Bedminster Township , Bernards Township , Warren Township , Bound Brook , Somerville , and Raritan . It also borders Green Brook (though connected only by Route 22 ), Middlesex (though connected only by one local street), South Bound Brook (a very short border in

5520-410: The township's 2010 Census population, 63.1% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 84.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide). In the 2012 presidential election , Republican Mitt Romney received 52.1% of the vote (10,664 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 46.7% (9,561 votes), and other candidates with 1.1% (227 votes), among the 20,592 ballots cast by

5600-407: The township's 29,510 registered voters (140 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 69.8%. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 11,346 votes (51.3% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 10,357 votes (46.8% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 267 votes (1.2% vs. 1.1%), among the 22,110 ballots cast by the township's 27,378 registered voters, for

5680-472: The township. The population density was 1,387.9 per square mile (535.9/km ). There were 16,657 housing units at an average density of 519.9 per square mile (200.7/km ). The racial makeup was 76.46% (33,996) White , 2.38% (1,059) Black or African American , 0.10% (46) Native American , 17.83% (7,927) Asian , 0.00% (2) Pacific Islander , 1.46% (647) from other races , and 1.77% (787) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.76% (3,004) of

5760-490: The traffic. After World War II the area began to become more developed. In 1956 New Jersey's first shopping center , the Somerset Shopping Center , opened next to the circle. As the area became more developed and traffic and road speeds increased, the circle became notorious for being confusing for people unfamiliar with it, and for frequent car accidents and traffic backups . Many drivers would attempt to bypass

5840-423: Was $ 108,680 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 5,095) and the median family income was $ 130,594 (+/− $ 6,507). Males had a median income of $ 90,875 (+/− $ 4,851) versus $ 65,501 (+/− $ 4,264) for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 46,994 (+/− $ 1,811). About 1.6% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over. At

5920-540: Was $ 88,308 and the median family income was $ 99,832. Males had a median income of $ 67,089 versus $ 49,096 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 39,555. About 1.6% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over. The township has long been a hub for pharmaceutical companies including Valeant , Allergan , Amneal Pharmaceuticals , many small, and mid-size ones. Sanofi 's US headquarters are in Bridgewater. Bridgewater

6000-434: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.14. 25.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males. The median household income

6080-483: Was a spur of Route 28 called Route S28 , which became Route 18 in 1953. By 1941, US 22 was moved off the Route ;28 alignment in Phillipsburg, and US 22 Alternate (US 22 Alt., now Route 122 ) took its place, as well as east of Bridgewater Township, where it was realigned to follow Route 28-29 Link and Route 29 to Newark . In 1953, the western terminus of Route 28

6160-531: Was designated along the former alignment of Route 28 that ran to the Goethals Bridge. Due in general to farmland development and safety concerns, the western terminus of Route 28 was later adjusted to the second Easton Turnpike interchange with US 22 in Bridgewater Township, creating CR 614. This allowed for local control of speed limits in the now congested stretch of Easton Turnpike between its two intersections with US 22. Bridgewater Township, New Jersey Bridgewater Township

6240-428: Was designated in 1917 to run from Phillipsburg east to Elizabeth. With the creation of the U.S. Highway System in 1926, US 22 was designated along with Route 28. In 1927, most of pre-1927 Route 9 became Route 28, with the exception of the route through Elizabeth, which became Route 27-28 Link as Route 28 followed present-day Route 439 to the Goethals Bridge . Also legislated at this time

6320-534: Was moved to the intersection of the current CR 614 and Route 22, in Branchburg Township. Sometime after 1990 it was moved east to its current location to allow for more local control of speed limits along Easton Turnpike, and the de-designated stretch was designated CR 614 . A portion of the route in Elizabeth was realigned to replace Route 27-28 Link, with the former route becoming Route 439. Route 28 begins at an interchange with US 22 in Bridgewater Township , Somerset County , heading to

6400-677: Was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education , the highest award an American school can receive from the federal government. Bridgewater is the home of the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School , a four-year magnet school that provides occupational and academic training to students from Somerset County. Little Friends of Jesus Nursery School (preschool, non-parochial) operates under

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