Route 46 Hatchery Brook culvert replacement project to move into new phase this weekend

Traffic will be shifted onto newly constructed roadway

The $1.04 million, federally-funded project—which began in January—is replacing the existing structurally-deficient culvert with a new concrete structure and stabilizing 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.

At 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, June 6, NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction, is scheduled to implement a new traffic pattern change for the second stage of construction on the eastbound half of the bridge. During this stage, traffic on Route 46 will be shifted onto the newly reconstructed westbound side of the bridge. Traffic will be maintained in both directions utilizing alternating traffic patterns, controlled by temporary traffic signals at either end of the bridge. The new traffic pattern is expected to be in place by 7 a.m. Saturday, June 7.

Route 46 carries one 11-foot six-inch 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.

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.