CR 514: A Comprehensive Route Guide Across New Jersey
County Route 514 (CR 514) is a significant east-west artery that traverses several counties in New Jersey, connecting rural landscapes with dense urban centers. From its origins in the farmland of Hunterdon County to its terminus in the industrial heart of Elizabeth, the route serves as a vital link for commuters and local traffic alike.
Key Facts
- Counties Traversed: Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, and Union.
- Major Intersections: U.S. Route 202, U.S. Route 206, U.S. Route 1, and U.S. Route 9.
- Key Landmarks: Rutgers University College Avenue Campus, Johnson & Johnson headquarters, and Middlesex College.
- Terrain: Transitions from two-lane rural roads to four-lane divided highways and urban city streets.
Journey Through Hunterdon and Somerset Counties
CR 514 begins at the intersection of U.S. Route 202 and Route 31 in East Amwell Township, Hunterdon County. Starting as the two-lane undivided Old York Road, the route initially serves as the border between Raritan Township and East Amwell Township, passing through a scenic blend of residential homes and farmland.
In the community of Reaville, the route diverges from Old York Road (which continues as CR 613) and turns northeast onto Amwell Road. After crossing CR 609 (Manners Road), the road enters Somerset County and Hillsborough Township.
As it progresses through Hillsborough, the environment shifts from open farms to wooded areas. The route intersects with CR 567 (River Road) at Neshanic and later CR 677 (East Mountain Road). As it approaches the intersection of CR 625 (Marshall Road), the road widens to four lanes, passing north of Hillsborough High School before meeting U.S. Route 206.
Continuing east, the road narrows back to two lanes, crossing the CSX Trenton Subdivision and passing through Millstone. After intersecting with CR 533 (Main Street), it crosses the Millstone River and the Delaware & Raritan Canal into East Millstone, located within Franklin Township.
Navigating Middlesex County
In Franklin Township, CR 514 navigates a series of turns, intersecting CR 621 (Elizabeth Avenue) and CR 619 (Cedar Grove Lane). Upon reaching CR 615 (South Middlebush Road), the route widens to four lanes and becomes Hamilton Street as it enters the community of Somerset.
Upon crossing Mile Run Stream, the route enters New Brunswick, where it becomes unsigned and is maintained by the city. This urban stretch passes through the heart of the city, including the Rutgers University College Avenue Campus and the Johnson & Johnson headquarters. The route then forms a concurrency with Route 27 (Albany Street), crossing the Raritan River via the Albany Street Bridge into Highland Park.
After splitting from Route 27 at Woodbridge Avenue, CR 514 enters Edison. Here, it transforms into a four-lane divided highway at the U.S. Route 1 interchange before returning to a two-lane configuration near Plainfield Avenue.
The road widens again to cross the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) and passes Middlesex College. After intersecting CR 531 (Main Street) and navigating the interchange complex for Route 440 and Interstate 287, the route enters Woodbridge Township as Main Street.
The Final Stretch: Union County and Elizabeth
In Woodbridge, CR 514 crosses both the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway simultaneously. It passes through the commercial center of Woodbridge, intersecting Route 35 (Amboy Avenue) and passing under the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line. The route then turns north onto Rahway Avenue, intersecting CR 604 and crossing the Port Reading Secondary line.
Entering Rahway in Union County, the road becomes Woodbridge Road and then Lawrence Street. It crosses the Rahway River and intersects the southbound lanes of U.S. Route 1/9. The route then turns onto East Grand Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue, passing through residential and commercial zones.
The final segment takes the route through Linden, where it passes through industrial areas and intersects several county routes, including CR 615, CR 617, and CR 619. At the junction of Park Avenue (CR 616), the road becomes municipally maintained before returning to county maintenance on East Linden Avenue.
The route concludes in Elizabeth on Lidgerwood Avenue, passing Route 439 (Elmora Avenue) and becoming a one-way westbound street past Garden Street. The CR 514 designation officially ends at the intersection of Edgar Road and Washington Avenue.
Route Summary Table
| County | Primary Road Names | Key Intersections | Road Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunterdon | Old York Road, Amwell Road | US 202, CR 609 | 2-Lane Undivided |
| Somerset | Amwell Road, Hamilton Street | US 206, CR 533 | Mixed 2 and 4-Lane |
| Middlesex | Hamilton St, Woodbridge Ave | Route 27, US 1, I-95 | Urban/Divided Highway |
| Union | Lawrence St, Elizabeth Ave | US 1/9, CR 616 | Urban/Industrial |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does CR 514 begin and end?
CR 514 begins at the intersection of U.S. Route 202 and Route 31 in East Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, and ends at the intersection of Edgar Road and Washington Avenue in Elizabeth.
Which major universities or institutions are located along the route?
The route passes through the College Avenue Campus of Rutgers University and runs past Middlesex College.
Does CR 514 overlap with any other highways?
Yes, CR 514 forms a concurrency with Route 27 along Albany Street as it crosses the Raritan River into Highland Park.
What are the different road configurations found on CR 514?
The route varies significantly, ranging from two-lane undivided rural roads in Hunterdon County to four-lane divided highways in Edison and Woodbridge, and municipally maintained city streets in New Brunswick and Linden.
Which major expressways does CR 514 cross?
CR 514 crosses the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95), the Garden State Parkway, and has interchanges with U.S. Route 1, Route 440, and Interstate 287.