Transformer Fire Closes Section of Route 34 in Old Bridge

A section of Route 34 between Disbrow Road and Canyon Woods Drive in Old Bridge Township was closed after a transformer blew Friday afternoon.

Shortly after 1 p.m., a transformer near the intersection of Forest Garden Drive and Route 34 blew, causing the top of a telephone pole to catch fire and break off. The incident sent a surge of power through the lines, causing a transformer further down Route 34 to also blow in a similar fashion, according to emergency personnel.

Old Bridge Township Police and Fire Department responded to the area and blocked off the section of road so the transformers to allow Jersey Central Power & Lighting (JCP&L) to evaluate and make repairs

The top piece of the Forest Garden Drive telephone pole could be seen smoldering in the street, with live wires still attached at about 1:30 p.m. JCP&L was on the scene by that time evaluating the damage.

It is unknown what caused the transformer to blow, according to emergency personnel.

Residents along that section of Route 34 were without power after the incident. Police on the scene were not certain when power would be restored or when the road would reopen.