NJDOT to improve four Route 46 bridges in Clifton

(Trenton) - Commissioner Jim Simpson today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will replace and repair four structurally deficient bridges along and over Route 46 in the City of Clifton, Passaic County.

“NJDOT is committed to maintaining our transportation network in a state of good repair, and this investment in these bridges reflects that commitment,” said Commissioner Simpson.

The $5.9 million project will fully replace the Route 46 bridge superstructure over Route 19/Broad Street and the Main Avenue bridge over Route 46. It also will repair and resurface the Route 46 bridge decks over Paulison Avenue and the Norfolk Southern railroad line. All four bridges were built in the early 1900’s.

On Monday, August 23, work will start at the Main Avenue bridge over Route 46 with NJDOT’s contractor, J.F. Creamer in a joint venture with Sanzari, Inc., creating a construction zone on the eastern side of the bridge.

All Main Avenue traffic will be shifted onto the western side of the roadway. Temporary single-lane closures will be required during daytime hours on Route 46 under Main Avenue the week of August 30 to install safety shielding under the bridge. One lane of Route 46 will be maintained at all times under Main Avenue during construction.

The Route 46 over Broad Street bridge will be replaced this fall with a pre-fabricated structure which will be installed by the contractor over two weekend periods. One direction of Route 46 will be fully closed to traffic and detoured with one lane maintained in the opposite direction each weekend. Broad Street will be closed to traffic on both weekends.

The use of pre-cast bridge components will enable NJDOT to significantly shorten the construction schedule and minimize impacts to traffic on both highways. NJDOT will provide notification to the public in advance of these planned closures.

NJDOT will repair the bridge decks over Paulison Avenue and the Norfolk Southern railroad line, and also repave each deck. Work on these bridges is planned to begin in late fall.

The project also will resurface mainline Route 46 from Grove Street to east of Paulison Avenue. NJDOT anticipates the project will be completed next spring.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.