I-78 Eastbound Lane Closures Tonight for Traffic Shift onto New Bridges

I-287 Northbound Exit 21A to I-78 Eastbound Also Closed Tonight

Trenton, N.J. – I-78 eastbound will undergo lane closures tonight to facilitate the traffic shift onto the newly completed I-78 eastbound bridges over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road in Bedminster and Bridgewater, Somerset County. Additionally, the I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound will also be closed and detoured tonight, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).

Closure Schedule and Details

• Date and Time:
  • Start: 8 p.m. tonight, Monday, July 22, 2024
  • End: 6 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23, 2024
• Closures:
  • Two right lanes on I-78 eastbound will be closed after the entrance ramp from I-287 southbound.
  • Two through lanes will remain open on the left.
  • The ramp from I-287 southbound to I-78 eastbound will remain open but will feature a temporary stop sign at the merge point with I-78 eastbound.
  • All I-78 eastbound traffic will be directed to the left to take the temporary bridge in the median.

I-287 Northbound Exit 21A Ramp Closure and Detour

• Closure:
  • The I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound will be closed.
• Detour:
  • Continue on I-287 northbound.
  • Take Exit 26B/CR 525 north/Mt Airy Road north/Bernardsville.
  • Stay right to take the ramp to I-287 southbound.
  • Take Exit 21A to I-78 eastbound.

Expected Traffic Changes by Tuesday Morning

• By 6 a.m. on July 23, 2024:
  • The temporary bridge in the median will be closed.
  • All four lanes on I-78 eastbound will reopen on the main roadway using the newly constructed bridges.
  • Traffic will shift to the right onto the shoulder, allowing a median work zone on the left side of the roadway.
  • The I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound will reopen.
  • The temporary stop sign at the end of the I-287 southbound ramp to I-78 eastbound will be removed and replaced with a yield sign.

Future Construction Phases

• Fall 2024: I-78 westbound traffic will be shifted onto temporary median bridges to allow for westbound bridge work.
• Summer 2025: Current traffic configuration expected to remain until this time.
• Spring 2026: Completion of construction for all bridges.

Project Background

• Cost: $57 million federally funded project.
• Scope: Replacement of eastbound and westbound bridge decks over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road, upgrade of existing guiderail to current standards, construction of new approach slabs at all four bridges, and resurfacing within project limits.
• Completion: Late spring 2026.

Additional Information

• Traffic Updates: Variable Message Signs will provide advance notifications of traffic pattern changes.
• Weather Considerations: The timing of work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.
• Real-Time Travel Information: Motorists can check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel updates.

Motorists are advised to expect congestion and delays tonight and may want to consider alternate routes. The NJDOT appreciates the patience and cooperation of motorists during this critical phase of the project.