NJDOT to improve Route 206 in Byram Township

(Trenton) — The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the start of construction on an $18.3 million safety and operational improvement project on Route 206 in Byram Township, Sussex County.

“Improving this stretch of Route 206 will make traveling downtown in Byram Township safer and easier,” said Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts. “Safety is paramount to residents who travel this highway on a daily basis, and we are pleased to have been able to work closely with the local officials to bring this important project to construction.”

On Monday night, December 7, NJDOT will begin initial construction operations on Route 206. These initial construction operations will include utility relocation, milling and paving as well as roadway widening and realignment work.

NJDOT will shift Route 206 traffic to the east, utilizing the existing northbound shoulder as a travel lane. One lane of Route 206 will be maintained in each direction during normal work hours with left-turn lanes at the Waterloo/Brookwood Road intersection. The work zone will be established in the right (west) side of Route 206 southbound, as well as on the right side of Waterloo Road eastbound. Nighttime, temporary lane closures will be allowed on Route 206, as needed.

Route 206 is the major north-south connector roadway in Sussex County. NJDOT will increase safety and reduce congestion throughout this 1.2 stretch of Route 206 by constructing an additional auxiliary lane in each direction and a new traffic signal at the three existing, signalized intersections; Route 206 at Acorn Street, Route 206 at Waterloo and Brookwood Roads, and Route 206 at Lake Lackawanna Drive. NJDOT will construct a center turn lane along Route 206 mainline as well as new sidewalks on both sides of Route 206 to Lubbers Run and along Route 206 southbound the entire length of the project. The project will also realign Waterloo/Brookwood Road with Route 206 to provide a direct T-intersection, improving both vehicular and pedestrian travel and safety.

NJDOT will realign Lackawanna Drive with the Lockwood Tavern driveway to improve access concerns and traffic control at the following driveways: Lockwood Tavern, Lakeland State Bank and Byram Plaza. The speed limit along this stretch of Route 206 will be reduced to 35 mph. NJDOT will also improve the existing drainage system and landscaping/aesthetic improvements will also be made.

The state-funded project is anticipated for completion by the end of 2011.

Variable message signs will notify motorists of any upcoming traffic pattern changes on Route 206. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org.