New I-280 westbound and Route 21 southbound ramps to open this weekend in Newark
New interchange improvements to replace
previously existing ramps
(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the opening this weekend of a newly constructed I-280 westbound ramp to Route 21 northbound and southbound, and a newly constructed Route 21 southbound ramp to I-280 eastbound in Newark, Essex County.
The two new ramps have a better geometry and are easier for motorists to access because they have an improved turning radius. In addition, three former entry points from Route 21/Broad Street to I-280 eastbound have been consolidated into one. It is expected that the final ramps from Route 21 northbound and southbound to I-280 westbound will be completed in late 2018.
Motorists should familiarize themselves with the following new traffic patterns at the interchange to get to their destination.
RAMPS TO BE OPENED:
Starting at 10 p.m., Friday, November 17, until 7 a.m. Saturday, November 18, NJDOT’s contractor, G. Harms Construction Co., Inc., is scheduled to open the following two new ramps in Newark:
- The I-280 westbound ramp to Route 21 northbound and southbound
- The Route 21 southbound ramp to I-280 eastbound
RAMPS TO BE CLOSED:
In addition to opening the two new ramps, the following permanent ramp closures will also take place in Newark:
- Permanently close the temporary Route 21 southbound ramp to I-280 eastbound
- Permanently close the previous Route 21 southbound ramp to I-280 eastbound
- Permanently close the previous I-280 westbound ramp to Route 21 northbound and southbound
The $93 million federally-funded project, which started construction in September 2015, will demolish existing structurally deficient bridge decks, reconfigure the interchange to provide full movements and consolidate entrance points. NJDOT has coordinated with local officials throughout the design process. The I-280 and Route 21 Interchange Improvements 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 weatheror 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.
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