The Route 206 bridge over the Stony Brook in Princeton was built in 1792. It was closed Friday morning for the second time this week.
PRINCETON -- The state Department of Transportation (DOT) said Friday they will make more emergency repairs to the Route 206 bridge over the Stony Brook after inspectors found cracks in the arches of the state's oldest bridge.
The bridge was closed early Friday for the second time this week.
Overnight Monday to Tuesday, the DOT installed a new concrete divider on the southbound lanes after a portion of the stone railing collapsed.
While inspecting the parapet and bridge, DOT engineers discovered cracks and voids had developed in the stone arches that support the bridge, the DOT said Friday in a statement.
The bridge is expected to be closed through Saturday while crews work to repair the historic structure.
The DOT put the following detours in place for both directions of Route 206.
- Southbound motorists will make a right on Georgetown Franklin Road (County Routye 518), a left Hopewell Princeton Road and a right back onto Route 206 Southbound.
- Northbound motorists will make left onto Carter Road, a right onto Georgetown Franklin Road and a left back onto Route 206 northbound.
The DOT said signs are posted in the area warning drivers of the detours and the timing of the work is subject to weather or other factors.
Motorists are encouraged to check the DOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time updates.
The bridge was first built in 1792, and widened in 1916, but has not had any major repairs since, officials have said.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.