University plans early release March 15 due to road closures

Because of area road closures that are impeding traffic flow in the region, the University has set an early release time of 3 p.m. Monday, March 15, for non-essential personnel. Managers will provide direction for their staff members to leave between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to ease traffic congestion during rush hour. All academic schedules continue.

Members of the community are advised to plan their routes and allot more time to reach their destinations because of downed tree limbs, inoperable traffic signals and flooding conditions. A page with links to sites that provide information on road closures and traffic conditions is among the resources available on the University's Emergency Guidelines for the Campus Community website.

Public Safety is reporting the following road closures as of 1 p.m. Monday, March 15: Alexander Street is closed except to local traffic from the intersection of Faculty Road to just south of Forbes College near the intersection of University Place; all access on Faculty Road is closed eastbound from the intersection of Washington Road; on Broadmead, the road is closed south of Faculty Road; and College Road West is closed at Alexander Street and only accessible on foot or by bicycle to get to the Graduate College, so the alternate route is to access the college from Springdale Road. While Washington Road is passable, a downed tree has narrowed the road and significantly slowed traffic in the vicinity of Faculty Road. Similarly, Alexander Road is heavily congested during peak times from the bridge over Route 1 to West Windsor.

Campus shuttles and buses are operating, but TigerTransit riders are advised to expect delays on all routes because of road closures and detours. Riders are encouraged to monitor the progress and location of buses online via the TigerTracker system.

The public utility PSE&G has informed the University that power outages affecting buildings and traffic signals in the area can continue as late as Tuesday, March 16. Power has been restored to most buildings on campus, but outages continue at the Springdale Apartments.

The University continues to make temporary shelter services available at Dillon Gym for members of the Princeton campus community who are experiencing power outages or loss of hot water as a result of the thunderstorms of Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14.

Dillon Gym was opened as a shelter at approximately 1 p.m. Sunday, March 14, for faculty, students and staff without power or water who need a place to shower or reside until power is restored. Shower and restroom facilities are located in the lower level locker rooms of the gym, and shelter space is available on the upper level, in the multipurpose room and in the group fitness rooms. Air mattresses, linens, toiletry kits, pillows and folding chairs are available.

The facilities at Dillon will remain open until all power is restored, and Princeton students and employees can arrive at any time. Individuals with special access needs may call the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000.