NJDOT to improve the Route 21
and Park Avenue interchange in Nutley

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the start of a safety and operational improvement project at the Route 21 and Park Avenue interchange in Nutley, Essex County.

“The State of New Jersey is committed to increasing safety on our roadways and improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

On Saturday, April 18, NJDOT will begin drainage, curb and ramp widening work on the Route 21 southbound Exit 8 ramp to River Road in Nutley Township. The width of the existing travel lane on the ramp will decrease in order to accommodate construction.

NJDOT will temporarily close the ramp from 10 p.m. on April 29 to 5 a.m. on April 30 and from 11 p.m. on April 30 to 7 a.m. on May 1. During the temporary overnight ramp closures, Route 21 southbound traffic bound for River Road will be detoured to Exit 7 (Terry Street), to Main Street, to Route 21 northbound, to Exit 8, to Park Avenue, and to River Road.

The $926,249 project will widen the ramp from Route 21 at River Road in order to accommodate a new left turn lane. New traffic signals will be constructed at the exit and entrance ramps to and from Route 21 northbound at Park Avenue. The existing traffic signal at the intersection of Park Avenue and River Road will be upgraded. The project will also include pavement upgrades and the installation of new striping, signage, guide-rail and lighting. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2009.

NJDOT will provide advance notice of additional traffic pattern changes. Real time travel and construction information is available at www.511nj.org.