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Major Detours Ahead: I-80 Eastbound Exit 56B and Squirrelwood Road in Woodland Park
A pivotal bridge replacement project necessitates extensive detours starting tonight.
In an effort to accommodate the crucial replacement of the Squirrelwood Road Bridge over Interstate 80, significant traffic reroutes are set to commence this evening in Woodland Park, Passaic County. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced the closure of the I-80 eastbound Exit 56B ramp to Squirrelwood Road northbound, along with the corresponding ramp from Squirrelwood Road northbound to I-80 westbound, effective from 8 p.m. today, April 5.
This closure, a critical component of the bridge replacement initiative, necessitates the temporary shutdown of Squirrelwood Road northbound at the intersection of Jackson Avenue/ramp to I-80 eastbound. The project's execution, aiming for completion by fall 2024 for this stage, will involve gas main adjustments and the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge's northbound trajectory. Throughout the construction phase, Squirrelwood Road southbound will remain operational, and pedestrian passage across the bridge will be ensured.
To mitigate the impact on traffic, NJDOT has outlined comprehensive detour plans for affected motorists:
- For I-80 Eastbound Traffic to Squirrelwood Road Northbound: Drivers are to proceed on I-80 eastbound past Exit 56B, take Exit 57B towards Paterson/Downtown, and then follow signs to rejoin I-80 westbound, exiting at Squirrelwood Rd/Woodland Park/Patterson to reach Squirrelwood Road northbound.
- From Squirrelwood Road Northbound to I-80 Westbound: Motorists will be redirected onto I-80 eastbound, then to Exit 57B, and follow a similar route back to I-80 westbound.
- Squirrelwood Road Northbound General Detour: Similar directions apply, guiding drivers onto I-80 eastbound, then towards Paterson/Downtown, and back onto I-80 westbound to reach their destination.
The overarching bridge replacement project, budgeted at $12.2 million, aims to thoroughly reconstruct the Squirrelwood Road Bridge, incorporating a new traffic signal at the I-80 westbound off-ramp and Squirrelwood Road intersection. Additional improvements include repaving, guiderail updates, and enhancements to curbs and sidewalks, with expected project completion by fall 2025.
NJDOT urges travelers to stay informed of real-time traffic updates and potential schedule adjustments due to weather or other unforeseen factors by visiting www.511nj.org. This extensive project, though temporarily disruptive, promises significant long-term benefits for the safety and efficiency of local and through traffic in Passaic County.
