NJDOT to replace Interstate 280 bridge decks over Whippany River in Morris County

“The replacement of these structurally deficient Interstate 280 bridge decks exemplifies NJDOT’s commitment to state-of-good repair investments that improve safety and help New Jersey compete for jobs,” said Commissioner Jim Simpson.

Initial construction operations on the $5.2 million project will begin this week with NJDOT’s contractor, Scafar Contracting Inc., shifting the eastbound travel lanes to the south and westbound travel lanes to the north to establish a construction zone in the median of the highway. Temporary overnight single-lane closures will be necessary on I-280 in each direction to establish the new work zone.

In the first stage of construction the contractor will build a temporary bridge over the Whippany River in the median of I-280. The temporary bridge will enable NJDOT to maintain two travel lanes on I-280 during daytime and peak period hours during the demolition of the existing bridge decks and construction of the new cast-in-place concrete decks. Diverting traffic onto the temporary bridge will also allow NJDOT to accelerate the construction and complete each deck within a shorter time-frame.

Once the temporary structure is completed, NJDOT will shift both I-280 eastbound travel lanes on to it while the eastbound bridge deck is demolished and replaced. This work is anticipated to be complete in late-summer 2012.

At that time, NJDOT will shift I-280 eastbound traffic onto the newly rebuilt mainline bridge and shift I-280 westbound on to the temporary structure. Demolition and reconstruction of the westbound bridge deck will then begin.

New guide rails will be installed along the new bridge decks and for 700 feet along I-280 west of the bridge. The project is anticipated for completion in spring 2013.

Approximately 62,000 vehicles use these bridges every day to cross the Whippany River.

Variable message signs will be deployed to inform motorists of the construction and any changes in traffic patterns. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are also encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.