$11M Resurfacing Project Closes Lanes on US 46 Until Spring 2026

$11.8 million infrastructure project spans 11 miles through Essex and Morris counties, with completion targeted for spring 2026.

FAIRFIELD, NJ — A major roadway resurfacing project along Route 46 will begin Wednesday, October 8, affecting both Morris and Essex counties with months of scheduled lane and shoulder closures.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that the $11.8 million maintenance project will resurface approximately 11 miles of Route 46 in both directions and include repairs to inlets, sidewalks, curbs, and ADA-compliant ramps.

Daytime Shoulder Closures Begin October 8

Starting tomorrow, and continuing weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., crews will close the right shoulder in both directions of Route 46 at various locations. This work zone spans from Route 202/Parsippany Avenue in Denville (Morris County) to Passaic Avenue/Two Bridges Road/CR 613 in Fairfield (Essex County). These daytime closures are expected to continue for several months.

Overnight Lane Closures Begin October 13

On Monday, October 13, additional overnight work begins on Route 46 westbound. A single lane will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Friday nights, between Passaic Avenue/Two Bridges Road/CR 613 and Gardner Road in Fairfield. These closures will last for approximately two weeks to accommodate joint repairs, with at least one westbound lane remaining open during construction.

Once westbound work is completed, operations will shift to eastbound Route 46 between Gardner Road and Passaic Avenue/Two Bridges Road/CR 613 for a similar round of repairs.

Project Scope and Timeline

The project includes resurfacing in the following segments:

• Eastbound Route 46:

  • 4.3 miles between Crestview Road in Denville through Mountain Lakes to Chapin Road in Montville (Morris County)

  • 2.1 miles between Gardner Road and Fairfield Avenue in Fairfield (Essex County)

• Westbound Route 46:

  • 2.6 miles between Passaic Avenue/Two Bridges Road/CR 613 and Gardner Road in Fairfield (Essex County)

  • 8.5 miles between Hook Mountain Road in Montville, through Mountain Lakes and Parsippany-Troy Hills, to Route 202/Parsippany Avenue in Denville (Morris County)

The full project is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, pending weather and other unforeseen conditions.

Advisory to Motorists

NJDOT advises drivers to expect delays and plan alternate routes when possible. Real-time traffic updates and construction alerts are available at www.511nj.org. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather or operational needs.

The resurfacing is part of the state's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving its highway infrastructure, ensuring safety and accessibility for all roadway users.