NJDOT to replace Interstate 80 bridge
decks over Berkshire Valley Road in Roxbury

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the replacement of the bridge decks on I-80 over Berkshire Valley Road in Roxbury, Morris County. The $8.9 million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“NJDOT’s work will create and support jobs, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of these I-80 bridge decks in Morris County,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “The project reflects the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improving our infrastructure and stimulating the economy.”

On Wednesday, July 29, NJDOT will start to build a temporary bridge over Berkshire Valley Road in the median of I-80. Temporary overnight lane closures will be necessary on I-80 to establish the work zone.

The three-lane temporary bridge will enable NJDOT to maintain all travel lanes on I-80 during the demolition of the existing bridge decks and construction of the new bridge decks. The project will require the closure of the I-80 westbound truck rest area at milepost 32 from early September to December 2009. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2010.

Variable message signs on I-80 will notify motorists of upcoming construction and traffic pattern changes. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org.

ARRA will stimulate New Jersey's economy by creating or supporting thousands of transportation-related jobs and making long-term improvements to roads, bridges and the transit system. New Jersey's transportation allocation includes $652 million for highways and bridges and approximately $425 million for transit. That total includes approximately $164 million for county and local transportation priorities and approximately $19.5 million for transportation enhancement projects.