NJDOT announces efforts to protect
Route 80 in Morris County from falling rocks

(Trenton)- New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced the start of a project to prevent rocks and other debris from falling on a .32 mile stretch of Route 80 westbound in Roxbury Township and Mount Arlington Borough, Morris County.

On Friday, May 2, NJDOT will begin a $5.5 million project to remove and stabilize loose rock along Route 80. The existing roadside rock formations consist of loose rock that could fall onto Route 80 if not repaired.

Starting May 2, NJDOT will close the right shoulder on I-80 westbound between milepost 29.34 and 29.66. NJDOT also will temporarily close the right lane of I-80 westbound as needed, except from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

In addition, beginning in July, NJDOT will close I-80 for rock blasting for 10 minute periods between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. A controlled blasting technique will be used in order to minimize noise and vibration levels in the area. NJDOT anticipates that blasting will continue for approximately five months, until December 2008. NJDOT will complete the project in spring 2009.

NJDOT will install Variable Message Signs (VMS) on Route 80 to inform motorists of traffic pattern changes during construction. During the construction, NJDOT will maintain a close coordination with local police and fire departments. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.njcommuter.com and www.511nj.org for project and traffic updates.