NJDOT to rehabilitate
Haynes Avenue bridge over Amtrak in Newark

(Trenton) -- Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) on Friday, July 11 will begin to rehabilitate the Haynes Avenue bridge over the Amtrak rail line between Route 1&9 and Route 27 (Frelinghuysen Avenue) in Newark.

“This much-needed bridge deck rehabilitation demonstrates NJDOT’s commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure and the quality of life for Newark residents and motorists,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

Beginning on Friday, July 11, NJDOT will close Haynes Avenue to traffic between the Bessemer Street interchange and Meeker Street for approximately six months in order to rehabilitate the bridge. The $9 million project will consist of repairing the existing bridge deck, replacing the deck joints and bearings, repairing concrete on the substructure and resurfacing the roadway approaches on Haynes Avenue. Construction is scheduled for completion in late December, 2008.

The following detours will be implemented during the Haynes Avenue closure:

Passenger car traffic will be diverted from both Route 1&9 and Route 27 to McClellan Street.

Truck traffic will be detoured to Route 22 from both sides of the bridge.

During construction, NJDOT will maintain local access to the properties and businesses along Haynes Avenue and Bessemer Street and pedestrian access to one side of the bridge.

NJDOT has installed Variable Message Signs in the area to inform motorists of the closure. In addition, NJDOT will post directional signs throughout the detour route to guide motorists. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org and www.njcommuter.com for emergency information.