NJDOT to replace Hatchery Brook culvert under Route 46 in Independence

Staged construction will keep the highway open to motorists with alternating traffic patterns

The $1.04 million, federally-funded project will replace the existing structurally-deficient culvert with a new concrete structure and stabilize the supporting soil under the foundation footings and abutments. In addition to the replacement of the existing culvert, NJDOT will resurface the roadway approaches on Route 46 in both directions.

NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction, is scheduled to close the westbound half of the bridge at 7 p.m. Friday, January 31 to install concrete barrier curb and temporary traffic signals. Traffic on Route 46 will be shifted onto the eastbound side of the bridge and maintained in both directions utilizing alternating traffic patterns, controlled by temporary traffic signals at either end of the bridge. Flagmen will be utilized overnight while the temporary traffic signals are installed.

Route 46 carries one 12-foot wide travel lane in each direction over the bridge with 3-foot shoulders. NJDOT has designed the bridge deck replacement work to be performed in stages, closing one side of the bridge for reconstruction at a time with all traffic shifted onto the other half of the bridge. The first stage is anticipated to last for approximately six months at which time the contractor will then close the eastbound half of the bridge and shift all traffic onto the rebuilt westbound side.

Dynamic message signs will be deployed on Route 46 to alert motorists of the upcoming traffic pattern changes. NJDOT anticipates the project reaching completion in early 2015.

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 real-time travel information.