NJDOT announces next stage of Route 139 rehabilitation project

New traffic patterns scheduled for 12th Street viaduct approaching Holland Tunnel

“NJDOT appreciates the patience and cooperation of motorists as we continue to rehabilitate Route 139,” said NJDOT Commissioner Kolluri. “We will continue to protect public safety and maintain traffic flow while construction progresses on this vital link between Hudson County and New York City.”

The upcoming stage of construction will significantly impact Route 139 motorists. Two lanes of eastbound traffic will be closed at all times. In order to maintain traffic flow, NJDOT will temporarily adjust traffic signal timing at the Jersey Avenue intersection, which will allow traffic from Route 139 and the New Jersey Turnpike extension to proceed simultaneously toward the Holland Tunnel.

In order to accommodate the rehabilitation of the 12th Street viaduct, NJDOT will implement the following traffic pattern:

• NJDOT will install an eastbound contra-flow lane along 14th Street in order to improve traffic flow;
• motorists will be prohibited from making left turns from the New Jersey Turnpike extension onto Jersey Avenue;
• motorists will be prohibited from making right turns from Route 139 onto Jersey Avenue.

The Route 139 Approach to the Holland Tunnel Project is a federally-funded, $225 million project that will rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing, structurally deficient 12th and 14th Street viaducts. Construction began in May 2005 and is scheduled for completion in 2010. As part of the project, NJDOT previously rehabilitated the westbound roadways that connect the Holland Tunnel and the 14th Street viaduct.

Route 139 is one of the most complex and most heavily traveled highways in the nation. The roadway links the Holland Tunnel, Routes 1&9T, the I-78 New Jersey Turnpike Extension and local roads in Jersey City and Hoboken. Each day, an estimated 50,000 vehicles travel these roads and bridges to and from the Holland Tunnel.

NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, weekly construction schedule updates and real time traffic cameras at www.njcommuter.com. Commuter information is available at www.trips123.com as well as on radio traffic reports. A bilingual Community Liaison is onsite provide information to community groups and individuals upon request; interested parties should call 1.877.NJROADS. In addition, variable messaging signs alert motorists of changes to traffic patterns and offer alternate route information.