I-280 eastbound lane closure necessary this weekend for the interchange improvements project in Essex County

Traffic to be reduced to one lane as work on center median advances

(Trenton) -New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a weekend lane closure resulting in traffic being reduced to one lane on I-280 eastbound to advance the final stage of construction on the I-280 and Route 21 Interchange Improvements Project in Essex County.

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Friday, August 3, until 6 a.m. Monday, August 6, NJDOT’s contractor, George Harms Construction Co., Inc., will reduce I-280 eastbound to one lane on a portion of the newly constructed I-280 travel lanes between Clifton Avenue and Broad Street in Newark. This will allow for work on the center median area to advance construction on the I-280 bridge deck over Broad Street.

In addition, beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, August 3 until 2 a.m. the next morning, one lane on I-280 westbound will be temporarily closed to maneuver equipment for the I-280 eastbound closure.

Motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays in the area

All work on I-280 westbound was completed last weekend with the exception of final paving. NJDOT will provide advanced notification before additional lane closures are necessary for final paving.

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 Ffor NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info or on the NJDOT Facebook page.