NJDOT completes reconstruction of I-287 northbound bridge over Durham Avenue

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the completion of the reconstruction of the I-287 northbound bridge over Durham Avenue in South Plainfield.

The bridge reconstruction is part of the $ 40 million reconstruction of Interstate 287 from the NJ Turnpike west to Stelton Road (Exit 5) in Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield, Middlesex County.

Beginning Saturday, December 1, Route I-287 northbound traffic will be shifted onto the newly re-constructed bridge over Durham Avenue. The northbound contra-flow lane will be closed. Construction of the I-287 northbound bridge over Durham Avenue began in August and required that NJDOT close the left lane and shift the three lanes of I-287 southbound traffic to the right, using the shoulder as a travel lane.

Beginning in spring 2008, NJDOT will replace the bridge decks on the I-287 southbound structure over Durham Avenue and the northbound and southbound structures over Route 1 in Edison. NJDOT will build a southbound contra-flow lane to accommodate traffic during construction. Nightly single and double-lane closures will continue for throughout the project.

NJDOT began the rehabilitation of this deteriorated stretch of I-287 in July and anticipates construction completionin November 2008. The project will extend the lifespan of the roadway by over 15 years and the new bridge decks by 50 years.

NJDOT has installed a real-time work zone travel system along the project route. This system monitors traffic in the work zone and relays travel time data to Variable Message Signs (VMS). The VMS then alert motorists of the projected time to travel through the construction zone. Variable Message Signs installed along Route 287 and NJ Turnpike alert motorists of upcoming construction activities and traffic pattern changes.

NJDOT is working with the State Police to maintain safe conditions for workers and motorists in the construction zone. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website, https://nj-dot.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/, for project updates.

NJDOT’s I-287 rehabilitation website, https://nj-dot.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/roads/I287/, lists the specific construction work currently taking place on the project.