PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Department of Transportation today announced it will start work in April on a major bridge demolition and reconstruction project that will close the Route 80 westbound entrance ramp from Route 46, near Edwards Road.
According to the state DOT, this work will require the full closure of the Route 46 westbound ramp to Route 80 westbound local lanes from April 4 through August 31. The DOT anticipates potential traffic impacts along Route 46 westbound during this time period.
The ramp in question leads from Route 46 westbound, just past the Edwards Road traffic light and a short distance prior to the traffic light at the Arlington Plaza shopping center.
During Stage 1 of construction, the lanes along Route 46 Eastbound will be reconfigured to provide a work zone along the right shoulder. Three through-lanes will be maintained during this duration. Bridge deck demolition, the construction of a new bridge slab, and repairs to the existing concrete abutments and piers will be conducted during this phase.
During Stage 2 of the construction, the lanes along Route 46 Eastbound that pass under the bridge will be reconfigured to provide a work zone along the left shoulder of Route 46 Eastbound. Three through-lanes will be maintained during this duration. Repairs to the existing concrete abutments and piers will be conducted during this phase.
Short-term night-time lane closures will be needed to complete the cleaning and painting of the existing steel beams which are to remain. Lane closures will be limited to hours between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Monday through Thursdays and Sundays; between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Fridays; and between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
There will posted detours during the project.
The overall project improvements involve the bridge deck to be replaced within the limits of the existing bridge (no widening or expansion will be performed); repairs to the existing substructure units; repairs to the existing steel superstructure; lighting improvements; installation of new guide rail; and minimal approach roadway work will be performed. There are no impacts to right of way, access, or environmental resources anticipated.
Overall completion of this project is anticipated to be in late November 2016.
