Route 46 intersection with Hollywood Avenue
to be improved in Fairfield

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Jim Simpson today announced the beginning of a project to improve safety and efficiency at the Route 46 intersection with Hollywood Avenue in Fairfield Township, Essex County. The project involves realigning and widening the intersection.

“This project will greatly improve safety on Route 46 in Fairfield Township, benefiting local residents and commuters alike,” said Commissioner Simpson.

On or about July 6, the contractor Tilcon New York Inc., will begin work by establishing a staging area along Route 46.

In August, temporary night-time lane closures on Route 46 and Hollywood Avenue will begin for utility relocation work. During the Route 46 temporary lane closures, at least one lane will be maintained in each direction. When a lane is temporarily closed on Hollywood Avenue, an alternating traffic pattern will be implemented.

The $5.5 million federally funded project will improve safety at this intersection by providing new acceleration and deceleration lanes where the Route 46 ramps connect with Hollywood Avenue. The existing ramps will be reconfigured and signalized where they intersect with Hollywood Avenue. Dedicated turning lanes will be provided on Hollywood Avenue as well. The existing undivided ramps will be replaced with two-way ramps separated by a curbed island. The project also will include minor bridge repair, storm-water management basins and final roadway milling and paving.

The project is scheduled for completion in November 2011.

NJDOT will place variable message signs on Route 46 to inform motorists of any traffic pattern changes during construction. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org