NJDOT begins major Interstate 287
rehabilitation project in Piscataway and Franklin

(Piscataway) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today broke ground on a jobs-creation infrastructure project that promises a safer, smoother ride for thousands of commuters who travel each day on a section of Interstate 287 in Middlesex County.

The $29 million project, being built with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds, will improve seven miles of I-287 from Stelton Road in Piscataway (Middlesex County) to the vincity near Main Street in Franklin Township (Somerset County). The project will also repair the bridge decks on I-287 in both directions over Possumtown Road and the I-287 northbound bridge deck over the Easton Avenue entrance ramp.

“Good roads enable New Jersey to attract and retain high-paying jobs, so this project is a wise investment in our future while providing an immediate boost to our economy by supporting around 150 construction related jobs,” said Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts.

The project will extend the lifespan of the roadway by more than 15 years and the new bridge decks by 50 years. Construction is expected to be substantially completed in the fall of 2011.

Joining Commissioner Dilts today was Schools Development Chief of Staff Thomas DiGangi, Jr., who said that the state’s total infrastructure investment program, including transportation projects and new school construction created and sustained more than 16,000 jobs in August alone.

“Governor Corzine’s program to boost economic recovery by accelerating investments in infrastructure is paying dividends for New Jersey families through more jobs, better schools, and improved roadways and transit options,” said DiGangii.

Beginning Friday night, September 18, NJDOT will begin single overnight lane closures on I-287 to establish temporary southbound median crossover, as well as resurfacing of shoulder work on the I-287 northbound at Possumtown Road to shift lanes for the crossover. Lane closures on I-287 will be allowed as follows:

Single lane and double closures will be allowed on I-287 in both directions during off-peak hours to accommodate the major roadway reconstruction operations.

NJDOT will install 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.

The project is bookended by two other I-287 resurfacing projects that will result in a total of 20.5 contiguous miles of smoother, safer travel lanes for I-287 motorists in Middlesex and Somerset counties.

These additional projects include a $40 million reconstruction project covering almost six miles of the roadway from the New Jersey Turnpike to Stelton Road (I-287 Interchange 5). Traversing Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield in Middlesex County, it is expected to be substantially completed this November.

The other project, expected to start in the spring of 2010, will repair concrete pavement and resurface 7.6 miles of I-287 from Main Street in Franklin Township to a point south of I-78 in Bridgewater Township.

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.