James Street bridge over Interstate 287 to be closed for six months in Morris Township
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that the James Street (CR 663) bridge over Interstate 287 will be closed to traffic, beginning this weekend, for approximately six months in Morris Township, Morris County.
On Friday evening, August 24, NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction, Inc., is scheduled to close the James Street overpass, as well as the entrance ramps from James Street to both directions of I-287, to all traffic. The reconstructed bridge is expected to be opened back up in early-spring 2013. The following detour routes will be in effect during the closure:
• James Street southbound motorists will be directed onto I-287 southbound to Harder Road to James Street.
• James Street northbound motorists will be directed to Southgate Parkway to I-287 northbound to South Street to James Street.
The $2.25 million federally funded project will replace the existing, structurally deficient bridge deck with a new cast-in place concrete structure within the limits of the existing deck. The bridge was originally constructed in 1968 and has deteriorated to the point that reconstruction is necessary. The contractor will also complete some approach roadway work along James Street including asphalt paving, curb reconstruction and guide rail upgrades.
NJDOT will maintain all travel lanes on Interstate 287 in each direction below the overpass during peak period hours, utilizing traffic shifts. The project is expected to be fully complete in May 2013.
The Department held a Public Information Center last month to provide information on the project to interested residents and business owners.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org
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