Major Roadwork in Passaic and Morris Counties Promises Safety Upgrades but Anticipates Temporary Traffic Disruptions

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - Residents of Morris County and its neighboring region should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) advances critical infrastructure projects in Passaic and Morris Counties.

The $48.5 million federally-funded Route 20 Paterson Safety, Drainage, and Resurfacing project is slated to commence in Clifton and Paterson, Passaic County. Beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the right lanes on both northbound and southbound Route 20 will be temporarily closed. This closure is necessary for construction barriers to be set up in the right shoulders for bridge parapet work. The closures are anticipated to last for approximately two weeks.

This substantial project will encompass upgrades and repairs along roughly five miles of Route 20, with an emphasis on improved drainage, repaving, guiderail replacement, and new lighting and overhead signage. Traffic signal upgrades and enhancements to curbs and sidewalks are also part of the comprehensive plan, with completion expected by fall 2025.

Meanwhile, in Morris County, West Union Turnpike northbound - transitioning into Route 15 northbound - is scheduled for closure tonight, Thursday, May 18, starting at 10 p.m. and lasting until 5 a.m. Friday, May 19. This closure is essential for concrete deck repairs on the Route 15 northbound Bridge over the abandoned Hope Mineral Railroad in Wharton.

Additionally, lane closures on the I-80 westbound Exit 34B ramp to Route 15 northbound and on Route 15 northbound will be required. These temporary disruptions form part of a $22.6 million state-funded project aimed at repairing concrete structures at various sites in eight North Jersey counties.

While these necessary improvements promise enhanced safety and navigational benefits for motorists in the long term, commuters are urged to anticipate delays or plan alternate routes for their journeys in the interim. Both projects' timelines are subject to potential changes due to weather or other unforeseen factors.

NJDOT encourages motorists to stay updated on these roadworks and other real-time travel information by visiting their traffic information website at www.511nj.org. These infrastructure upgrades, while temporarily inconvenient, will serve to provide safer, smoother, and more efficient roadways for Morris and Passaic County residents and visitors.