Crews are working around the clock in Woodbridge, New Jersey, where Smith Street has been closed to traffic for over a week after severe pavement cracks appeared. The road, which links Woodbridge to Perth Amboy, has become a safety hazard as large, jagged fissures have opened across the asphalt, forcing authorities to dig into the soil to determine the cause.
Investigations are currently underway at two major points — near Florida Grove Road and at the corner of Judy Drive, both of which are located in residential neighborhoods. These digs aim to uncover whether the underground soil quality or shifting ground may be to blame for the sudden collapse of the road surface. One of the most alarming sights is a wide, visible crack where the pavement has pulled away from the curb and storm drain, raising fears that the damage may spread further.
Local officials and residents have pointed to ongoing construction nearby as the likely trigger. Just blocks away, work has been underway on a massive development called the Raritan River Logistics Center, a large-scale warehouse project spearheaded by Brookfield Properties. The scale of excavation and construction in the area has led many to suspect that vibrations and soil disruption could have destabilized Smith Street.
A spokesperson for Brookfield Properties acknowledged the situation in a statement, noting that the company is working with third-party engineers and coordinating closely with local authorities. According to the developer, measures are being taken to address the impact on Smith Street while investigations continue to identify exactly what transpired.
However, despite reassurances, homeowners in the affected neighborhoods remain deeply concerned. Property owners worry not only about the disruption of a vital roadway but also about potential risks to their homes. Some have reported feeling that the ground continues to shift, and the fear is that foundation damage could follow if the soil beneath the street has been destabilized more extensively than currently visible.
The responsibility for repairing Smith Street ultimately falls on Middlesex County, but so far, residents say they are waiting for clear answers and a plan for restoration. For now, the closure has caused significant traffic detours, disrupting daily commutes and raising frustration across the community. The uncertainty has added to the tension, with locals eager for county officials to confirm how long repairs will take and whether the road can be safely stabilized.
The cracks on Smith Street are a stark reminder of the challenges that come with balancing rapid urban development and infrastructure stability. As warehouses and logistics centers continue to rise across New Jersey, residents increasingly fear that their neighborhoods may bear the unintended consequences. With the road still showing signs of movement and no clear timeline for reopening, the spotlight is firmly on local officials and developers to resolve the crisis before the damage worsens.
Until then, the people of Woodbridge are left watching and waiting, hoping that the ground beneath their feet — and homes — holds steady.
