Route 17 weekend closures announced
for railroad-crossing repairs in Lodi
Highway scheduled to be closed in one direction

at a time the next two weekends

Route 17 southbound will be closed to traffic at the railroad crossing below Interstate 80 from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 22 until around 5 a.m. on Monday, June 25.

• Motorists heading south on Route 17 will be directed to take Essex Street westbound to I-80 eastbound to Route 17 southbound.

Route 17 northbound will be closed to traffic at the railroad crossing below Interstate 80 from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 29 until around 5 a.m. on Monday, July 2.

• Motorists heading north on Route 17 will be directed to take I-80 westbound to Exit 63 (Lodi/Fair Lawn) to Essex Street eastbound to Route 17 northbound.

The detour routes were coordinated with local police departments. Access will be maintained to businesses and residential properties on either side of the rail line.

The railroad contractor will replace the existing crossing with a new concrete freight rail crossing and repave the asphalt approaches to provide a safer and smoother driving surface. The cost of the work is approximately $385,000.

The condition of this rail crossing has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, resulting in NJDOT and NYS&W personnel making numerous emergency repairs to keep the highway in operation while this permanent repair was planned. Once the plan was finalized, NJDOT began extensive public outreach and coordination with numerous local municipalities, emergency responders, hospitals and other entities to ensure that the motoring public is aware of these closures and can plan accordingly.

NJ TRANSIT bus service customers on Essex Street, Market Street, Summit Avenue and Polify Road are advised that delays are expected throughout the area on both weekends.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s 511 traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.