Route I-280 Stickel Bridge rehabilitation begins
Project will extend bridge's lifespan by 25 years
(Trenton)—Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will begin its rehabilitation of the Route 280 Stickel Bridge, which connects Newark and Harrison over the Passaic River.
The rehabilitation project will extend the bridge’s lifespan by an estimated 25 years.
“The Stickel Bridge rehabilitation project reflects NJDOT’s commitment to the Fix-It-First policy,” said Commissioner Kolluri. “Investment in the structural and operational integrity of our aging infrastructure will ensure that New Jersey motorists can maintain safety and mobility in the years to come.”
NJDOT’s $32 million rehabilitation project will improve the structure and operation of the movable Stickel Bridge. NJDOT will replace the bridge decks and rehabilitate the bridge superstructure to help stabilize the severely deteriorated span.
In addition, NJDOT will repair the concrete bridge substructure and steel beams, upgrade electrical and mechanical operations and paint the entire structure. Pier and abutment repairs will be made and two new sign structures will be added to the bridge’s approaches. The project is scheduled to be completed in spring 2008.
NJDOT will make the following traffic pattern changes in the vicinity of the Route 280 Stickel Bridge:
Beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 23, NJDOT will close the westbound auxiliary lane and the Cleveland Avenue entrance ramp from Harrison to I-280 WB. On Friday night, June 30, NJDOT will close the eastbound auxiliary lane. These closures will remain in place for the duration of the project.
During daytime hours, NJDOT will maintain four full lanes of traffic, two eastbound and two westbound. However, the project will entail temporary single lane closures during nighttime off-peak hours to allow for the delivery of materials, equipment movement and the installation of barriers.
From June 23 to June 29, NJDOT will implement limited lane closures on Passaic Avenue for the erection of temporary shielding. From June 27 to June 29, there will be overnight ramp closures with detours on the ramps connecting Route 21 northbound to and from I-280. The detours for the closures use local streets and have been reviewed by the local municipalities. NJDOT will provide advance notice of additional nighttime lane closings and several late night bridge closures which will require detours.
NJDOT encourages motorists to drive carefully to protect themselves and workers in the construction zone. Variable Message Signs will be in place on major roads such as the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Interstate I-80 and other regional corridors to inform motorists of the changes in traffic pattern.
Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.njcommuter.com or via phone at 877-NJROADS for emergency information.
