Lane Closures and Traffic Shifts Set for Next Thursday Night in Jefferson, Morris County

The New Jersey Department of Transportation progresses on the $7.6 million bridge replacement project, aiming for improved traffic flow and vertical clearance by spring 2024.

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced that the ambitious Weldon Road Bridge replacement project over Route 15 in Jefferson, Morris County, is making significant headway. As part of the ongoing construction, lane closures and traffic shifts are scheduled to take place on Thursday night, June 1.

Starting at 8 p.m. on June 1, extending until 5 a.m. the following morning, one lane on the Weldon Road Bridge over Route 15 will be closed, with traffic alternating between lanes. The closure is necessary to transition traffic onto the newly constructed south side of the bridge and establish a work zone for the north side's demolition and reconstruction.

Once the traffic shift has been executed, one lane in each direction will reopen by 5 a.m. on Friday, June 2. Importantly, all ramps are expected to stay open during the construction period, and traffic on Route 15 will not be affected. This phase of construction is slated to continue through spring 2024.

With a total budget of $7.6 million, the project will replace the Weldon Road Bridge over Route 15. Upon completion, the new bridge will restore two lanes of traffic in each direction and enhance the vertical clearance under the bridge. The project's execution will proceed in stages, beginning with the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge's south side. Once completed, traffic will shift to the newly constructed south side to facilitate the north side's reconstruction. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on the bridge throughout the construction period.

As the precise timing of the work may fluctuate due to weather conditions or other factors, motorists are advised to stay updated with NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org. The site provides construction updates and real-time travel information. NJDOT also reassures the public that advance notice will be provided for any lane or ramp closures. The bridge's complete transformation is expected by spring 2024.