NJDOT to replace Clifton Avenue
and Nesbitt Street bridges in Newark

(Trenton) - Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will replace the Clifton Avenue and Nesbitt Street bridges over the NJ TRANSIT Morristown rail line and I-280 in Newark City, Essex County.

“Replacing these structurally deficient bridges demonstrates NJDOT’s commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

On Thursday, February 26, NJDOT will begin the installation of construction warning signs, utility relocations and traffic signal modifications in the area.

On Friday, March 20, NJDOT will close Nesbitt Street to traffic between Orange Street and Eighth Avenue in order to demolish the existing structure over the NJ TRANSIT Morristown rail line and begin construction on a new bridge. NJDOT will install new sidewalks, curbs, guide-rail, fencing, landscaping, and highway lighting on Nesbitt Street during this phase of construction.

NJDOT will also close the ramp to I-280 eastbound from Clifton Avenue and Nesbitt Street at this time. The following detours will be implemented during the Nesbitt Street closure:

• Nesbitt Street traffic will be detoured to Orange Street and to Clifton Avenue northbound.
• Motorists who wish to access the I-280 eastbound ramp from Clifton Avenue-Nesbitt Street will be detoured to Orange Street, to North Sixth Street, to Freeway Drive and to the I-280 eastbound ramp.

This $11.886 million project will replace the Clifton Avenue and Nesbitt Street bridges over the NJ TRANSIT Morristown rail line, and replace the bridge decks on Clifton Avenue and Nesbitt Street over I-280. The bridge approaches between Orange Street and Eighth Avenue will be upgraded as well. NJDOT will upgrade the traffic signals at the intersection of Clifton Avenue and Eighth Avenue and at the entrance ramp to I-280 westbound. In addition, NJDOT will signalize the Clifton Avenue entrance ramp to I-280 eastbound to improve safety conditions and operations of the intersection.

NJDOT will maintain local access to the properties and businesses along Clifton Avenue and Nesbitt Street during construction. Upon completion of the new Nesbitt Street bridges, work will begin on Clifton Avenue. The entire project is scheduled for completion in May 2011.

NJDOT will utilize Variable Message Signs in the area to inform motorists of the closure and any further traffic pattern changes. In addition, NJDOT will post directional signs throughout the detour routes to guide motorists. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org.