Route 9 bus shoulder lanes to open in O.B. OLD BRIDGE - The recently reconstructed shoulder lanes along two stretches of Route 9 in Old Bridge Township will open on Tuesday, state transportation officials said this week. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) reconstructed the shoulders to allow for exclusive bus use during peak operational hours. "Providing exclusive bus lanes along Route 9 in Old Bridge will relieve congestion and enhance the safety of pedestrians seeking to use these buses," DOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri said in a press release. The $6.43 million project replaced the existing shoulders along approximately 3 miles of Route 9 from Spring Valley Road to Cindy Street, and Fairway Lane to Perrine Road with pavement capable of supporting the 150 buses that travel on the roadway during peak periods. The northbound bus lane will operate only during the morning peak period, while the southbound bus lane will operate only during the evening peak period. The bus lanes are to operate for a maximum of three hours per day in each direction and only on weekdays. During off-peak hours and on weekends, they will function as standard shoulders. Signs and pavement markings are being provided to define the bus shoulder limits and hours of operation in order to further protect pedestrians and bicyclists. The DOT also upgraded traffic signals at seven intersections to provide more protection for pedestrians and to improve coordination with the buses. Crosswalks, push-button activated signals and pedestrian refuge areas are now provided at those intersections. In addition, the DOT installed fencing along the median to encourage use of the new pedestrian enhancements. New sidewalks have been installed throughout the project area.