Overnight traffic stoppages on Route 46 in Knowlton for bridge replacement traffic shift

KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Route 46 in Knowlton Township will experience temporary traffic stoppages tonight as crews shift westbound traffic onto the eastbound side of the roadway to advance a major bridge replacement project, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).

The stoppages will occur between 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, and 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, on Route 46 in both directions between Route 94 (milepost 0.6) and milepost 0.8, where Route 46 westbound becomes two lanes after Walnut Road. The closures are needed to restripe the roadway and prepare for the traffic shift.

By 8 a.m. Saturday, Route 46 westbound will be closed, with a single lane shifted to the eastbound side of the highway. If work is completed early, the shift will occur sooner. The new configuration will allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the westbound side of the Route 46 Bridge over Paulins Kill and will remain in place for approximately one year.

The project is part of a $21.5 million bridge replacement initiative to replace the aging Route 46 Bridge over Paulins Kill, which is in poor condition. Construction will be completed in stages, with one side of the bridge rebuilt at a time. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained throughout the project.

When complete, the new bridge will feature two 12-foot lanes in each direction, 10-foot shoulders, a 6-foot sidewalk on the south side, and a 10-foot shared-use path on the north side. The project also includes guide rail upgrades, new approach slabs, and end treatments, and is expected to be finished by spring 2028.

NJDOT advises motorists to use caution, slow down in the work zone, and check 511nj.org for real-time traffic information.

The department noted that the timing of the work may change due to weather or other factors.