I-78 west lane closures scheduled Thursday night in Somerset County for traffic shift
WARREN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Interstate 78 westbound will have overnight lane closures Thursday near Exit 36 as crews shift traffic back to its original configuration as part of an ongoing bridge replacement project, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, the left lane of I-78 westbound is scheduled to close near Exit 36 while crews reposition construction barriers and restripe the roadway. At least two lanes will remain open.
At approximately 11 p.m., the left lane is scheduled to reopen before the center and right lanes are closed for additional barrier repositioning and restriping. At least one lane will remain open during that portion of the work.
By 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, all three westbound lanes are expected to reopen and be shifted to the left, returning traffic to its original configuration on the newly constructed portion of the bridge.
The on-ramp from King George Road southbound to I-78 westbound and its acceleration lane will remain closed while that portion of the bridge is reconstructed. The ramp from King George Road northbound to I-78 westbound will remain open throughout construction.
Motorists seeking to reach I-78 west from King George Road southbound will continue to be detoured onto Valley Road/County Route 512 westbound. Drivers will remain on Valley Road, turn left onto Martinsville-Liberty Corner Road/County Route 525 and take the ramp to I-78 westbound.
The work is part of the $6.1 million federally funded replacement of the I-78 westbound bridge over a tributary of the Dead River in Warren Township, Somerset County.
The project includes replacement of the bridge superstructure and deck using precast deck panels to reduce construction time, as well as guiderail upgrades. NJDOT said all three lanes will remain open during most of the project, with some closures required at night or on weekends.
The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.
The schedule is subject to change because of weather or other factors. Motorists can check 511nj.org for real-time traffic information.
