Overnight lane closures planned on I-78 westbound in Somerset County for bridge project
WARREN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Motorists traveling on Interstate 78 westbound in Warren Township should expect overnight lane closures Friday as crews shift traffic for an ongoing bridge replacement project, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, June 5, and continuing until 7 a.m. Saturday, June 6, the right lane of I-78 westbound near Exit 36 will be closed to allow crews to reposition construction barriers.
Later in the evening, a second lane will be closed so workers can restripe the roadway and shift traffic onto a newly constructed portion of the bridge carrying I-78 westbound over a tributary of the Dead River.
NJDOT said at least one lane will remain open throughout the operation. By Saturday morning, all three lanes are expected to reopen, with one lane operating to the left of the work zone and two lanes shifted to the right.
The traffic shift is part of a $6.1 million federally funded bridge replacement project in Warren Township. The project includes replacement of the bridge superstructure and deck, as well as guiderail upgrades.
Officials said construction is being completed in stages using precast deck panels to reduce overall construction time. While three lanes are expected to remain open for most of the project, periodic overnight and weekend lane closures are anticipated.
In addition, the southbound King George Road ramp to I-78 westbound remains closed and detoured for the duration of the project. Drivers are being directed to use Valley Road and Martinsville-Liberty Corner Road to access the interstate. The northbound King George Road ramp to I-78 westbound remains open.
The bridge replacement project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.
NJDOT noted that the schedule may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check 511NJ.org for real-time traffic information.
