WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — A massive crack has appeared along Smith Street between Highland Avenue and Convery Boulevard, near the border of Woodbridge and Perth Amboy, forcing road closures and causing chaos for commuters, officials said.
The damage led authorities to shut down Route 440/Smith Street as engineers investigate the cause. Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac said the police department was first alerted to the crack last week, and crews have been on-site since then trying to determine what triggered it.
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“It’s very serious. That road is going to take a long time to be replaced,” McCormac said, adding that the highway closure will remain in effect until further notice.
Emergency Detours and Traffic Impact
Several agencies are working together to assess the situation, while police checkpoints and detours have been set up to manage traffic.
Local resident Jose Colon described the scene as “very unusual” during Monday’s rush hour.
“Normally, it’s busy with trucks in and out — very loud, very loud. It’s not quiet at all,” he said.
Another resident, Osvaldo De Los Santos, said through a translator that navigating the area has become “tormenting.”
“It feels like we’re practically in jail,” he added.
Families Evacuated but Now Allowed Home
Over the weekend, 18 families were evacuated and relocated to a hotel due to safety concerns. They were allowed to return home Monday after experts confirmed the area was stable.
“The experts have measured everything and determined that nothing has shifted for over 48 hours,” McCormac explained. “Residents can safely return, but emergency activators are still in place.”
Utilities Pose Ongoing Concerns
Officials said the immediate priority is addressing gas, electric, and water issues in the area.
“The gas issue is impacting everybody and very dangerously. Same with the electric and water,” McCormac said. “At some point, we’ll know why this happened, but safety comes first.”
Resident Kendra Milner, who returned home Monday with her family, described the experience as “like something out of a movie.”
“At around 8 or 9 o’clock, they told us we had to leave,” she said. “We have four kids — it wasn’t a good experience, especially for them.”
Authorities said residents will be immediately notified if new risks emerge. While an investigation is underway, officials warned it could take months before the situation fully returns to normal.
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