Route 3 westbound traffic pattern change announced for bridge over Hackensack River
Next stage of construction reverses temporary traffic pattern in center of bridge
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced an upcoming traffic pattern switch on Route 3 westbound bridge over the Hackensack River connecting Secaucus, Hudson County and East Rutherford, Bergen County.
NJDOT’s contractor, Beaver Concrete Construction Co., is scheduled to switch the construction zone in the center portion of the bridge Monday night, January 9. Overnight lane closures will be utilized on Route 3 westbound for the installation of the construction barrier and traffic striping necessary to establish the new work zone which will be in place by approximately 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 10.
Once the new construction zone is in place, three travel lanes will be maintained on the westbound bridge during daytime and peak period hours, split around either side of the work zone. Two travel lanes will be maintained to the left of the work zone and one travel lane maintained to the right. Large trucks and motorists destined for Route 120 will be directed to the stay to the right of the new construction zone.
The previous stage of construction, in place since October, had split traffic with one lane left and two to the right. NJDOT is rehabilitating the westbound bridge deck in stages to keep three lanes of traffic open and limit the impact to motorists on this heavily travelled highway.
The temporary stop sign remains in place at the ramp from Meadowlands Parkway to Route 3 westbound. Truck traffic is prohibited from using this ramp and is being detoured to Route 3 eastbound to Plaza Center to Paterson Plank Road to Route 3 westbound.
Responding to concerns from local elected and police officials, NJDOT has installed additional warning and notification signs throughout the construction zone for the benefit of motorists.
The $17.6 million project is rehabilitating the two individual, structurally deficient bridges carrying Route 3 eastbound and westbound over the Hackensack River. The Route 3 eastbound bridge was built about1934 and modified in 1964. The Route 3 westbound bridge was constructed in 1963. The repairs to the westbound bridge are more extensive than those needed on the eastbound structure. Construction began in February 2011 and is scheduled for completion in late 2012.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.
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