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Lane Closures on Route 15 Tonight Amid Final Stages of Berkshire Valley Road Project
Major traffic updates are in store for drivers in Jefferson as the Berkshire Valley Road Intersection Improvement Project reaches its final stages.
Jefferson, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced that tonight, May 16, Route 15 will undergo lane closures in both directions near Berkshire Valley Road in Jefferson, Morris County, due to ongoing construction efforts.
The closures are set to begin at 8 p.m. and will continue until 5 a.m. the following morning. During this time, two lanes will be closed between Phipps Road and the Bridge over the Rockaway River for restriping purposes, but at least one lane will remain open to minimize disruption.
Additionally, significant closures are scheduled for Berkshire Valley Road starting Friday, May 17 at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Saturday, May 18. The road will be closed and detoured in both directions between Route 15 northbound and southbound. However, the Route 15 ramps to and from Berkshire Valley Road will remain accessible.
This closure is necessary to facilitate a traffic shift into the final configuration following completion of work on the eastbound side of the road.
Detours for the upcoming closures include:
- Westbound Traffic on Berkshire Valley Road: Drivers will be directed to Route 15 northbound, then to Taylor Road, and back onto Route 15 southbound, finally taking the ramp onto Berkshire Valley Road westbound.
- Eastbound Traffic on Berkshire Valley Road: Motorists will be directed onto Route 15 southbound, take the Hawk Drive exit, proceed on Hawk Drive southbound, then turn onto Route 15 northbound, and take the ramp back to Berkshire Valley Road eastbound.
By early Saturday morning, Berkshire Valley Road is expected to reopen with improved lane configurations, including three lanes westbound and two lanes eastbound, aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety.
The ongoing work is part of an $8 million federally funded project aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency at the signalized intersection. The project includes the addition of a second left turn lane from Berkshire Valley Road southbound to Route 15 southbound, widening of the Route 15 northbound through lane, replacement of traffic signals, and construction of ADA-compliant sidewalks, among other upgrades. Completion is anticipated in spring 2024.
NJDOT urges motorists to stay informed of the latest traffic updates by visiting the NJDOT traffic information website at www.511nj.org. The timing of these closures may be adjusted based on weather conditions or other unforeseen factors.
