I-280 eastbound traffic shift necessary for bridge replacement project in Essex County
Bridge replacement project requires long-term lane closures

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, January 20, until 5 a.m. Monday, January 23, NJDOT’s contractor, George Harms Construction Co., Inc., is scheduled to shift I-280 eastbound to the left onto two new temporary travel lanes on the south side of the bridge between the William A. Stickel Memorial Bridge in Harrison and Clifton Avenue in Newark. The I-280 traffic shift will allow for the demolition and replacement of a portion of the bridge, and the construction of new roadway sections. The new configuration is expected to be in place for a year. The ramp from I-280 eastbound to Route 21 southbound will have a wide-load restriction.

The $93 million federally-funded project, which started construction in September 2015, will demolish and replace existing structurally deficient bridge decks and reconfigure the I-280 and Route 21 interchange to provide full movements and consolidate entrance points. NJDOT has coordinated with local officials throughout the design and construction process. The project is being accomplished in stages and is expected to be completed in early 2019.

Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with the interchange improvements project. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming road closures.

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 and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.