Route 15 southbound traffic shift planned
this weekend in Wharton
Bridge deck replacement project over abandoned

railroad advances

This bridge is located at the approach to the Route 15 southbound/Interstate 80 eastbound split ramp.

On Saturday night, November 17, NJDOT’s contractor, Konkus Corp., is scheduled to shift all southbound traffic onto the newly reconstructed left (northeastern) half of the bridge and set up the new construction zone on right (southwestern) half of the bridge. To accommodate this work, NJDOT will require a single-lane closure overnight starting at 8 p.m., reducing Route 15 to one travel lane until around 6 a.m. Sunday morning, when two travel lanes will be open.

Route 15 southbound has been reduced from four travel lanes over the bridge to two travel lanes since the project began in August, to accommodate a safe and efficient construction zone. The lane reduction also allows for the work to be done faster than conventionally staged construction.

• Motorists continuing on Route 15 southbound will need to stay in the right lane entering the construction zone.
• The Route 15 southbound and I-80 eastbound split ramps each reopen to two travel lanes past the construction zone. Project-specific signage is in place to direct motorists as necessary.

The $1.7 million project is replacing the old structurally deficient bridge deck and parapets, with repairs to the concrete bridge approaches. NJDOT is replacing the bridge in two stages, maintaining two lanes of Route 15 southbound traffic. The bridge reconstruction work is expected to be completed this winter. NJDOT will then resurface Route 15 southbound on either side of the bridge between Parker Road and the I-80 interchange. The project is anticipated to be complete in late-spring 2013.

Motorists are also encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.