Road Closures Begin in Middlesex County for Annual Salamander Migration

Beekman Road in East Brunswick and White Pine Road in South Brunswick will close at night this season to protect the hundreds of salamanders traveling from wooded areas to breeding ponds. The closures happen on and off, depending on weather that favors salamander movement, according to the East Brunswick Police Department.

Beekman Road shuts down at Church Lane in East Brunswick. White Pine Road closes at Davidsons Mill Road in South Brunswick. Barriers go up during warm, rainy nights in late winter or early spring when the amphibians are most active.

"The salamanders cross the road because they live in the woods on one side of the road and move to a breeding pond on the opposite side," police said, according to Patch. After the salamanders finish laying eggs, they will cross back to the woods on and off over the course of a month.

Motorists should use Cranbury Road or Fresh Ponds Road as alternate routes. Drivers must slow down and stay alert for pedestrians in the area.

The Friends of East Brunswick Environmental Commission helps coordinate the protection effort each year. The group is asking volunteers and spectators to come prepared with a bright, dedicated flashlight. Phone flashlights won't work.

"Please do not handle the amphibians," the commission said in a statement. "They are slippery and easy to drop, and our hands can transfer oils that are harmful to them. They know where they are going, so just enjoy them as they cross and take lots of photographs."

The commission outlined several safety rules for visitors. Beekman Road and Church Lane are dark. Cars move fast on them. People should never walk on Beekman Road when it's not closed. Children should never cross Church Lane without holding an adult's hand.

Visitors should wear bright-colored clothing to stay visible. Parking is best at the small county lot on Beekman Road, accessed from White Pine on the South Brunswick side, just before the closure. Additional parking is available on Crispin Lane, off Church. People shouldn't park in front of the barriers and must use caution when parking in the dark, rainy conditions.