NJDOT begins major I-287 rehabilitation project in Bridgewater

NJDOT begins major I-287 rehabilitation project in Bridgewater

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced that construction will begin next week on a major roadway rehabilitation project that promises a safer, smoother ride for thousands of commuters who travel each day on a section of Interstate 287 in Somerset County.

The $17.7 million project, being built with federal funds, will improve over seven miles of I-287 from the vicinity of Main Street (milepost 12.9) to south of I-78 (milepost 20.58) in Bridgewater Township. The project will also repair and resurface four individual bridge decks on I-287 in both directions over Route 22 in both directions. NJDOT will also install new Intelligent Transportation System facilities such as permanent VMS and traffic cameras along 287 within the project limits.

“I-287 is a high-volume, commerce corridor that tens of thousands of motorists use every day helping drive the economy of New Jersey, so this rehabilitation project is a wise investment in our future,” said Transportation Commissioner James Simpson.

Beginning Tuesday night, September 21, NJDOT will begin construction mobilization, installation of advance warning signs and site surveying. Major roadway rehabilitation work will commence this fall with single and double lane closures allowed as follows;

I-287 northbound
• Single lane closures will be allowed on I-287 between milepost 12.9 to 19 (three lane section of highway) Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, Saturday 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day and Sunday 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

• Double lane closures will be allowed on I-287 between milepost 12.9 to 19 (three lane section of highway) Monday to Thursday 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, Saturday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day and Sunday 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

I-287 southbound

• Single lane closures will be allowed on I-287 between milepost 12.9 to 19 (three lane section of highway) Monday to Thursday 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, Saturday 10:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day and Sunday 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

• Double lane closures will be allowed on I-287 between milepost 12.9 to 19 (three lane section of highway) Monday to Thursday 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, Saturday 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day and Sunday 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

I-287 in both directions
• Single lane closures will be allowed on I-287 between milepost 19 to 20.5 (two lane section of highway) Monday to Thursday 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, Saturday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day and Sunday 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

• Full Ramp Closures are allowed nightly between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. the next day.

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 construction was awarded to Intercounty Paving Associates, LLC on August 5 for $17,749,000.00. The project will extend the lifespan of the roadway by more than 15 years and the new bridge decks by 50 years. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2012.

The project picks up at the terminus of two other I-287 rehabilitation 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, the project was completed in November 2009.

The second $29 million on-going project, which began construction in September 2009, is improving seven miles of I-287 from Stelton Road in Piscataway (Middlesex County) approximately to Main Street in Franklin Township (Somerset County), just east of the new project.

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.