NJDOT announces overnight lane shifts on I-78 westbound in Newark

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced that the two westbound Express lanes at the New Jersey Turnpike Toll Plaza will be directed to the three westbound Local lanes as part of an on-going concrete roadway rehabilitation project on a two-mile section of I-78 in Newark, Essex County.

Beginning Friday night at 11 p.m. and continuing until 7 p.m. Saturday, September 25, NJDOT will close the two I-78 westbound Express lanes for final paving of that 2.2-mile stretch of roadway.

Variable Message Signs will direct motorists to the westbound Local lanes during the closure of the Express lanes.

The project includes Intelligent Transportation Systems upgrades that will link Variable Message Signs, cameras and vehicle counters to the NJDOT Statewide Traffic Management Center. A specialized asphalt mix that includes fibers for added strength and durability is being used.

The $13.3 million project, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, began in August, 2009 and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and follow any reduced speed signs in the construction zone. Real-time traffic information and construction activity updates are available online at www.511nj.org or by calling 511.