Route 3 westbound traffic pattern changes announced for Passaic River bridge project
Westbound traffic shifted on to portion of new bridge and new Riverside Avenue ramp open
(Trenton) - A portion of the new Route 3 westbound bridge over the Passaic River was opened to traffic over the weekend, NJDOT officials today announced.
On Friday night, November 30, NJDOT’s contractor, Creamer-Sanzari JV, shifted the Route 3 westbound travel lanes onto a newly completed portion of the new westbound bridge. Route 3 westbound motorists have been crossing the river on the old Route 3 eastbound bridge since June.
Route 3 is carrying three travel lanes in each direction on the outer thirds of the new raised level Route 3 Passaic River bridge. The contractor will now demolish the old bridge and begin constructing the inner third of the new structure. Ultimately the new Passaic River bridge will carry four travel lanes in each direction – two Local lanes and two Express lanes.
In addition, NJDOT opened the new ramp connections from Riverside Avenue and Marginal Road to Route 3 westbound, creating additional access to the highway in Rutherford.
NJDOT is replacing the structurally deficient moveable bridge with a new fixed span over the Passaic River, connecting Clifton City in Passaic County with Rutherford and Lyndhurst in Bergen County. To relieve congestion and improve safety through the corridor, the Department is rebuilding and realigning Route 3 in both directions to include a total of 15 auxiliary (acceleration and deceleration) lanes on either side of the bridge approaches. NJDOT has staged the project in a manner that will enable motorists to cross the Passaic River throughout construction.
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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