NJDOT announces traffic pattern
shift on I-287 bridge over Route 1

(Trenton)– The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced upcoming traffic pattern changes on the I-287 northbound bridge over Route 1 in Edison. The bridge reconstruction is part of the $40 million reconstruction of Interstate 287 from the New Jersey Turnpike to Stelton Road (Exit 5) in Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield, Middlesex County.

On Monday, December 22, NJDOT will shift the two left lanes of I-287 northbound traffic from the temporary bridge onto the new bridge deck over Route 1. The temporary bridge will be closed for the winter. The acceleration and deceleration lanes from Route 1 onto I-287 northbound will be reopened and the normal traffic pattern on I-287 will resume. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through April 2009. All work is weather permitting.

NJDOT began the rehabilitation of the deteriorated I-287 in July 2007 and will complete construction in November 2009. 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 N.J. 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, www.511nj.org for traffic updates.