Traffic pattern changes announced at Route 10 and Route 53 interchange in Morris Plains and Parsippany-Troy Hills

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced upcoming traffic pattern changes as part of a project to improve and upgrade the Route 10 and Route 53 interchange in Morris Plains and Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morris County.

On Friday July 23, after the morning rush hour, NJDOT will close the existing Route 10 eastbound ramp to/from Route 53 and open the new Route 10 eastbound ramp and signalized intersection with Route 53. The new permanent traffic signal will be activated, at which time the final configuration of the new intersection will take effect. The new ramp makes use of existing Tabor Road south as the access to Route 53.

NJDOT is maintaining three lanes in each direction on Route 10 and one lane in each direction on Route 53 during normal work hours. Nighttime temporary lane closures are allowed on both highways, as needed.

The $7.5 million interchange improvement project will increase safety and decrease congestion throughout the convergence of busy Route 10 and Route 53 by eliminating this entrance and exit ramp as well as installing new acceleration lanes on Route 10. NJDOT will also reconstruct Route 53 to provide dedicated turning lanes at the Tabor Avenue and Foxwood Drive intersections to help reduce the queuing of traffic on Route 53.

The state-funded project is anticipated for completion in May 2011.

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