Demolition operations outlined for advancing Route 3 Passaic River bridge replacement
Controlled blasting will require a series of 15-minute stoppages on Route 3, Route 21, Riverside Avenue and Passaic River waterway over the next two weeks
(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that on Thursday, January 31, and Friday, February 1, NJDOT’s contractor, Creamer-Sanzari JV, is scheduled to initiate controlled demolition blasting operations to the foundation of the old Route 3 bridge over the Passaic River connecting Clifton City in Passaic County with Rutherford and Lyndhurst in Bergen County.
These will be the first two in a series of five (5) planned blasting events, which will be closely controlled with minimal expected audible or visible impact. Standard safety procedures will require brief, temporary stoppages of all traffic on the river itself, as well as the following roadways during the blasts:
• Route 3 in both directions between mileposts 3.8 and 5.1 (approximately ½ mile from the bridge in each direction).
• Route 21 northbound including the ramp to Route 3.
• Riverside Avenue in both directions between Rutherford Avenue and Marginal Road.
The contractor is scheduling the blasts, and associated transportation system stoppages, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with each event requiring a 15-minute window of traffic stoppage. This timeframe was chosen so as not to negatively impact peak-period travel times on Route 3 and Route 21. Variable Message Signs will provide advance notification to motorists throughout the blasting area.
The contractor has not yet scheduled the subsequent three blasting events. NJDOT will provide notification in advance of each one.
Last month the contractor shifted the Route 3 westbound travel lanes onto a newly completed portion of the new westbound bridge. Route 3 is now carrying three travel lanes in each direction on the outer thirds of the new raised level Route 3 Passaic River bridge. The old bridge is now being demolished, with construction of the inner third of the new structure to begin in the spring. Ultimately the new Passaic River bridge will carry four travel lanes in each direction – two Local lanes and two Express lanes.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather, on-site job conditions or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.
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