Route 22 Eastbound in Union Township Faces Weekend Lane Closure

Bridge replacement project moves forward, urging motorists to expect delays or consider detours.

UNION TWP, NJ - Residents of Union Township, Union County should be prepared for potential traffic snarls this weekend on Route 22 eastbound. As part of a significant bridge replacement project, a lane closure has been scheduled.

Starting tonight at 10 p.m., Friday, November 3, and extending until 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, one lane on Route 22 eastbound between the Bridge over Chestnut Street and the Garden State Parkway northbound exit will be closed. It's worth noting that at least one lane will remain accessible for traffic during the construction period.

The reason for this lane closure is the installation of precast pavement panels. This weekend marks the second out of a total of three weekends that will witness similar lane restrictions for the setup of almost 200 precast panels. 

While the Garden State Parkway northbound exit will stay open, drivers are advised to exercise caution and slow down when navigating through the construction area. Considering potential delays, finding an alternate route might be a prudent choice.

This bridge replacement initiative, a state-funded project amounting to $40.8 million, is aimed at renovating the existing bridges on both Route 22 eastbound and Route 22 westbound over Route 82. These bridges are currently in a deteriorated state. The project zone is positioned between the Garden State Parkway Exits 140 and 140B. 

Additional enhancements as part of this project comprise widening Route 22 for auxiliary lanes, revamping ramp dynamics, adding sidewalks, upgrading utilities, and putting up new directional signage. 

Furthermore, an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) featuring camera setups and a Digital Message Sign is set to be incorporated. Moreover, Route 22 will see an upgraded stormwater drainage system. 

The completion of this massive project is slated for summer 2024.

As with most construction projects, the exact timing remains contingent on several factors, including the weather. For the latest updates on construction or real-time travel details, NJDOT’s traffic website, www.511nj.org, is recommended.