NJDOT announces start of project to extend I-78 acceleration lane in Bedminster, Somerset County

The project will lengthen the existing acceleration lane by 3,600 feet, and thereby allow a safer and smoother merge onto I-78. When completed, the extended acceleration lane will merge onto I-78 near the Bunn Road overpass. The existing acceleration lane is located on a curve and requires motorists to merge directly onto I-78 travel lanes, which causes backups at this ramp and on I-287.

“When this project is completed, motorists who use I-78 and I-287 will notice an improvement in traffic flow and an easing of congestion at the confluence of these two highways, which are among the busiest in New Jersey,” Commissioner Kolluri said.

In order to safely extend the ramp, all travel lanes within the construction zone will be reduced from 12 feet in width to 11 feet in width, and no shoulder will be in use within the construction zone. The construction zone on I-78 is approximately 4,300 feet long.

NJDOT will further improve I-78 by installing two new overhead signs, a stormwater retention basin and retaining walls. In addition, the existing culvert in the vicinity of Burnt Mills Road will be extended.

The $4.6 million project is jointly funded by NJDOT and the A.T.& T. Corporation, which provided $2.4 million in funding. Work is expected to be substantially completed by December 2007.

NJDOT also is replacing a deteriorated bridge deck on I-78 eastbound in Bedminster. The right lane of I-78 eastbound is closed, but two lanes of eastbound traffic will be maintained during construction. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2007.

Motorists can access real time traffic information at https://nj-dot.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/