Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project

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About the Project

The Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project (MTB) is a $739M investment designed to strengthen the electric transmission system by replacing 138,000-volt (138kV) circuits with 230,000-volt (230kV) circuits between the PSE&G Metuchen Switching Station in Edison, NJ and the PSE&G Burlington Switching Station in Burlington, NJ.

Authorized in February 2017 by PJM Interconnection (PJM), the regional transmission organization responsible for planning the transmission system in all or parts of 13 states, including New Jersey, the 55-mile reliability project replaces critical infrastructure that has reached its end of life and improves capacity significantly, while addressing voltage violations in the Metuchen area.  On average, these transmission facilities are 80-plus years old.

The project replaces aging infrastructure in 17 municipalities, spanning Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex counties, including Edison, Milltown, East Brunswick, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, Plainsboro, West Windsor, Hamilton, Chesterfield, Bordentown, Mansfield, Florence, Springfield, Burlington, Willingboro, and Burlington City.

Additionally, the project modifies, upgrades or reconfigures 17 electric stations, including Metuchen Switching Station, Pierson Avenue Substation, Meadow Road Substation, Edison Switching Station, Brunswick Switching Station, Devils Brook Substation, Plainsboro Substation, Dey Road Switch Rack, Forrestal Substation, Trenton Switching Station, Yardsville Substation, Ward Ave Substation, Colonial Pipe, Crosswicks Area Substation, Williams Substation, Bustleton Substation, and Burlington Substation.

The project is separated into three segments and requires overhead transmission modifications within existing PSE&G right of ways. The existing 138kV lattice towers supporting the overhead lines will be replaced with monopoles.  Segment IA of the project runs from Metuchen to Brunswick, while Segment IB runs from Brunswick to Trenton. Segment II runs from Trenton to Burlington. This project is anticipated to be in-service in June 2022. 

For more information on this project, please contact:
Jaye Cavallo
888-431-0555

For media inquiries regarding this project, please contact:

PSE&G's Media Hotline
973-430-7734
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  • Why is this project needed?

    The Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project (MTB) is designed to strengthen the electric transmission system by replacing 138,000-volt (138kV) circuits with 230,000-volt (230kV) circuits between the PSE&G Metuchen Switching Station in Edison, NJ and the PSE&G Burlington Switching Station in Burlington, NJ.

    Authorized in February 2017 by PJM Interconnection (PJM), the regional transmission organization responsible for planning the transmission system in all or parts of 13 states, including New Jersey, the 55-mile reliability project replaces critical infrastructure that has reached its end of life and improves capacity significantly, while addressing voltage violations in the Metuchen area.  On average, these transmission facilities are 80-plus years old.

    Where will it go?

    The project replaces aging infrastructure in 17 municipalities, spanning Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex counties, including Edison, Milltown, East Brunswick, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, Plainsboro, West Windsor, Hamilton, Chesterfield, Bordentown, Mansfield, Florence, Springfield, Burlington, Willingboro, and Burlington City.

    Additionally, the project modifies, upgrades or reconfigures 17 electric stations, including Metuchen Switching Station, Pierson Avenue Substation, Meadow Road Substation, Edison Switching Station, Brunswick Switching Station, Devils Brook Substation, Plainsboro Substation, Dey Road Switch Rack, Forrestal Substation, Trenton Switching Station, Yardsville Substation, Ward Ave Substation, Colonial Pipe, Crosswicks Area Substation, Williams Substation, Bustleton Substation, and Burlington Substation.

    When will it be built?

    The project is separated into three segments and requires overhead transmission modifications within existing PSE&G right of ways. The existing 138kV lattice towers supporting the overhead lines will be replaced with monopoles.

    Segment 1 runs from Metuchen to Brunswick.

    Segment 2 runs from Brunswick to Trenton.

    Segment 3 runs from Trenton to Burlington.

    This project is anticipated to be in-service in June 2022.

    How much will it cost?

    The project cost is estimated to be $739 Million.

    What are the benefits to the region?

    The work within our stations and right of ways will be beneficial to deliver safe, reliable electric service to our customers, increase the resiliency of the electric transmission system, and foster economic growth in New Jersey by creating construction jobs and providing vital electric service for further economic growth.

    What approvals are you seeking?

    PSE&G will secure all required permits and approvals from all federal, state and local governmental agencies with jurisdiction over the upgrade project.

    Do the lines produce electric and magnetic fields?

    Electric and magnetic fields are present wherever there is a flow of electric current, whether in wires in the home, electrical appliances, or power lines. Electric fields are produced by the voltage or electrical pressure in a wire and are present even if an appliance is turned off, as long as it is connected to a source of electric power. Magnetic fields are produced whenever there is a flow of electric current through a wire. Electric and magnetic fields are not visible, like other fields such as a gravitational field or a temperature field.

    Are electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) harmful?

    The overwhelming body of scientific study shows no definitive link between EMF and human health issues. Since 1977, concerns over magnetic fields and possible health effects have been the subject of numerous scientific and regulatory review panels, and extensive research and studies continue to be funded in this field of study.

    After nearly 30 years of worldwide research, there are no direct or causal links between electric and magnetic fields and adverse health effects. New Jersey has standards regarding maximum permissible electric fields at the edge of transmission line rights of way. However, there are no state standards with regards to magnetic field levels nor are there any federal rules, regulations or standards for either electric or magnetic field levels.

    Magnetic fields from appliances like hair dryers, microwave ovens, and motorized appliances are often stronger than the fields directly beneath power lines. PSE&G will design and install this line according to appropriate state and federal guidelines related to safety and environmental impact.

    Learn more about EMF 

    Who can I contact for more information?

    For questions and comments about the Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project, call the Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project Information Line at 1-888-431-0555.

    For media inquiries, please call PSE&G's Media Hotline at 973-430-7734. 

Bordentown
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Burlington
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Burlington City
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

No activity is scheduled for this project at this time.

Chesterfield
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

East Brunswick
Q3 2018 - Q3 2019

The MTB project will begin right-of-way (ROW) access road and foundation construction activity at multiple locations along the electric transmission ROW in Edison.  The expected activity will include erosion and sediment (silt socks) controls, z-cuts, and stone and matting for access.

Construction crews have mobilized for drilling and pouring of caisson foundations.
The schedule and locations of these activities are fluid and subject to change based on numerous factors, including weather and ground conditions.  A variety of contractors will be executing the work.

Safety is our highest priority at PSE&G, and it is essential that you and anyone occupying your property refrain from going on the right-of-way during these activities.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: There will be temporary and intermittent closures of the boat ramp located near Hardenberg Lane in East Brunswick.  This process involves daily closures in December 2018 for the removal of wire from the transmission structure south of Hardenburg Lane to the structure north of Hardenburg Lane on the opposite side of Farrington Lake.

PSE&G and its contractors will let down the underbuild wire with a 6K rope machine in a controlled manner and tail out over the roadway:

  • There will be a bucket truck at the structure south of Hardenburg Lane
  • A bucket truck will be position in the middle of Hardenburg Lane
  • Local police and Traffic Safety will be staged on Hardenburg Lane
  • A watchman will be stationed on the peninsula for boat traffic

Going forward, there will be temporary closures of the boat ramp on an intermittent basis from January through May of 2019.

Edison
Q3 2018 - Q3 2019

On or about Monday, August 13, 2018, the MTB project will begin right-of-way (ROW) access road and foundation construction activity at multiple locations along the electric transmission ROW in Edison.  The expected activity will include erosion and sediment (silt socks) controls, z-cuts, and stone and matting for access.

Construction crews have mobilized for drilling and pouring of caisson foundations.

The schedule and locations of these activities are fluid and subject to change based on numerous factors, including weather and ground conditions.  A variety of contractors will be executing the work.

Safety is our highest priority at PSE&G, and it is essential that you and anyone occupying your property refrain from going on the right-of-way during these activities.

NOTE: On or about the week of August 27, 2018, the walking/bike path that crosses the PSE&G electric transmission right-of-way at the end of Amman Road in Edison will be closed for construction activities.  This closure is due to the project’s construction activity and the use of heavy equipment.  For the safety of the community, PSE&G will be installing a barrier fence to prevent unauthorized access across the PSE&G right-of-way from Amman Road until December 31, 2019.

Florence
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Hamilton
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Mansfield
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Milltown
Q3 2018 - Q3 2019

On or about Monday, August 13, 2018, the MTB project will begin right-of-way (ROW) access road and foundation construction activity at multiple locations along the electric transmission ROW in Milltown.  The expected activity will include erosion and sediment (silt socks) controls, z-cuts, and stone and matting for access.

Additionally, on or about August 22, mobilization is anticipated for drilling and pouring of caisson foundations.

The schedule and locations of these activities are fluid and subject to change based on numerous factors, including weather and ground conditions.  A variety of contractors will be executing the work.

Safety is our highest priority at PSE&G, and it is essential that you and anyone occupying your property refrain from going on the right-of-way during these activities.

New Brunswick
Q3 2018 - Q3 2019

The MTB project will begin right-of-way (ROW) access road and foundation construction activity at multiple locations along the electric transmission ROW in Edison.  The expected activity will include erosion and sediment (silt socks) controls, z-cuts, and stone and matting for access.

Construction crews have mobilized for drilling and pouring of caisson foundations.
The schedule and locations of these activities are fluid and subject to change based on numerous factors, including weather and ground conditions.  A variety of contractors will be executing the work.

Safety is our highest priority at PSE&G, and it is essential that you and anyone occupying your property refrain from going on the right-of-way during these activities.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: There will be temporary and intermittent closures of the boat ramp located near Hardenberg Lane in East Brunswick.  This process involves daily closures in December 2018 for the removal of wire from the transmission structure south of Hardenburg Lane to the structure north of Hardenburg Lane on the opposite side of Farrington Lake.

PSE&G and its contractors will let down the underbuild wire with a 6K rope machine in a controlled manner and tail out over the roadway:

  • There will be a bucket truck at the structure south of Hardenburg Lane
  • A bucket truck will be position in the middle of Hardenburg Lane
  • Local police and Traffic Safety will be staged on Hardenburg Lane
  • A watchman will be stationed on the peninsula for boat traffic

Going forward, there will be temporary closures of the boat ramp on an intermittent basis from January through May of 2019.

Overnight Work Near Route 18

PSE&G and its contractors will be constructing power lines over Route 18 in New Brunswick. In order to execute this work, PSE&G will be utilizing the ROW in proximity to your home. PSE&G anticipates this work will begin on Monday, January 7, 2019, or soon after, and continue for approximately two weeks, weather permitting. No electric service outages will occur as a result of this activity.

Per the New Jersey Department of Transportation, to minimize traffic concerns this work must take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Intermittent rolling traffic stoppages of about 5 to 15 minutes can be expected on Route 18. For the safety of the community, New Jersey State Police and New Brunswick Police will be utilized for traffic control.

We do not expect this work to generate significant noise. However, work will involve heavy equipment, including bucket trucks, and temporary work zone lighting.

North Brunswick
Q3 2018 - Q3 2019

The MTB project will begin right-of-way (ROW) access road and foundation construction activity at multiple locations along the electric transmission ROW in Edison.  The expected activity will include erosion and sediment (silt socks) controls, z-cuts, and stone and matting for access.

Construction crews have mobilized for drilling and pouring of caisson foundations.
The schedule and locations of these activities are fluid and subject to change based on numerous factors, including weather and ground conditions.  A variety of contractors will be executing the work.

Safety is our highest priority at PSE&G, and it is essential that you and anyone occupying your property refrain from going on the right-of-way during these activities.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: There will be temporary and intermittent closures of the boat ramp located near Hardenberg Lane in East Brunswick.  This process involves daily closures in December 2018 for the removal of wire from the transmission structure south of Hardenburg Lane to the structure north of Hardenburg Lane on the opposite side of Farrington Lake.

PSE&G and its contractors will let down the underbuild wire with a 6K rope machine in a controlled manner and tail out over the roadway:

  • There will be a bucket truck at the structure south of Hardenburg Lane
  • A bucket truck will be position in the middle of Hardenburg Lane
  • Local police and Traffic Safety will be staged on Hardenburg Lane
  • A watchman will be stationed on the peninsula for boat traffic

Going forward, there will be temporary closures of the boat ramp on an intermittent basis from January through May of 2019.

Plainsboro
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

South Brunswick
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the transmission right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Additionally, PSE&G will be upgrading and replacing the utility poles along Ridge Road to Georges Road and along Georges Road, from Ridge Road to Deans Lane.

This work is expected to begin on or about the week of April 23 and continue, intermittently, through July, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as some Saturday work, as needed. To safely complete this work, lane closures or brief road closures may be required. All closures will be coordinated with South Brunswick Police Department.

Springfield
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Trenton
September 2017

No activity is scheduled for this project at this time.

West Windsor
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.

Willingboro
Q3 2017 - Q1 2019

Crews will be performing pre-construction activities along the right of way to verify subsurface conditions and locations of utilities in the area, as well as surveying.