Route 23 Southbound Ramp to Hamburg Turnpike to Close Daytimes Feb. 26–27 and March 2

The daytime closures in West Milford and Kinnelon are tied to demolition work as NJDOT advances a long-term bridge replacement project expected to run through fall 2028.

The Route 23 southbound ramp to Hamburg Turnpike (County Route 694) is scheduled to close during daytime hours on Thursday, Feb. 26; Friday, Feb. 27; and Monday, March 2, as the New Jersey Department of Transportation continues work on the Route 23 Bridge over the Pequannock River and Hamburg Turnpike replacement project.

NJDOT said the ramp closure is planned from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, and is necessary as demolition of the existing bridge nears completion. NJDOT said Route 23 mainline traffic will not be affected, though motorists should expect a work zone and potential minor delays in the area.

Detour route during the ramp closures

During the closure windows, NJDOT said drivers traveling Route 23 southbound and trying to access Hamburg Turnpike/High Crest Road/Bloomingdale will be directed to:

• Continue on Route 23 southbound

• Take the ramp to Kinnelon/Butler

• Turn left onto Kinnelon Road (CR 618), which becomes Kiel Avenue

• Turn left onto Park Place

• Turn right onto Main Street, which becomes Hamburg Turnpike (CR 694)

Project background and timeline

The work is part of the $78.2 million federally funded Route 23 Bridge over Pequannock River/Hamburg Turnpike project, located between mileposts 16.6 and 17.2 along the border of West Milford (Passaic County) and Butler and Kinnelon (Morris County). NJDOT said the project includes replacing the bridge over the Pequannock River, Hamburg Turnpike, and nearby railroad tracks, along with drainage and utility improvements.

NJDOT said the project is expected to be completed in fall 2028, and noted that the precise timing of work can change due to weather or other factors. For updates and real-time travel information, NJDOT directs motorists to 511nj.org.