NJDOT to replace
Linwood Avenue bridges in Ridgewood

(Trenton) - Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will replace the Linwood Avenue bridge decks over Route 17 and Van Emburgh Avenue in Ridgewood, Bergen County.

“Replacing these structurally deficient bridges demonstrates NJDOT’s commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure and will improve the quality of life for the residents of Ridgewood,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

On Friday night, March 27, NJDOT will close the acceleration lanes on Linwood Avenue and shift traffic to the outside of the roadway in order to remove the median island. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction on Linwood Avenue.

NJDOT will also close a single lane on Route 17 overnight in both directions at milepost 16.53, and will close the Route 17 northbound and Van Emburgh Avenue southbound ramp to Linwood Avenue westbound. The ramp will remain closed for the duration of the project and will be reconstructed.

The following detours will be implemented during the ramp closure:

• Route 17 northbound traffic will take the next exit, turn left onto East Glen Avenue, turn left onto East Saddle River Road and continue to the intersection with Linwood Avenue.
• Van Emburgh Avenue southbound traffic will take East Glen Avenue, turn left onto East Saddle River Road and continue to the intersection with Linwood Avenue.

The $3.3 million project will replace the bridge decks at Linwood Avenue over Route 17 and Linwood Avenue over Van Emburgh Avenue and repair the bridge supports. Linwood Avenue will be resurfaced at the bridge approaches at both locations. The project is scheduled for completion by November 2009.

NJDOT will use Variable Message Signs to inform motorists of 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.