I-78 eastbound lane and ramp closures tonight as bridge deck project advances in Somerset County
I-287 northbound Exit 21A to I-78 eastbound detoured
SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – The two right lanes on I-78 eastbound are scheduled to be closed tonight as the I-78 Bridges over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road deck replacement project advances in Bedminster and Bridgewater.
In addition, the I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound also will be closed and detoured for the weekend.
Beginning at 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 25 until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, August 26, the two right lanes on I-78 eastbound are scheduled to be closed near the I-78/I-287 interchange. All traffic will be directed to stay left to use the two temporary lanes.
By 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, all lanes on I-78 eastbound will reopen with the two right lanes shifted to the right onto the newly constructed I-78 Bridges over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road.
A work zone will be created on the left side of the roadway to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of both bridges. This configuration will be in place through spring 2024.
I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound closed and detoured In addition, the I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound will be closed and detoured from 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 25 until 6:00 a.m. Monday, August 28.
The ramp closure is necessary to assist the work on I-78, as well as to make repairs to the permanent Exit 21 ramp following a sinkhole last year.
To minimize the impact to motorists, the two projects coordinated their schedules so work would take place at the same time to ensure the ramp would only have to be closed once.
By 6:00 a.m. Monday, August 28, the I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound will reopen. Motorists should expect delays and plan extra travel time or consider alternate routes.
I-287 northbound ramp to I-78 eastbound detour:
- Motorists on I-287 northbound wishing to take Exit 21A to I-78 eastbound will be directed to continue on I-287 northbound
- Take Exit 26B/CR 525/Mount Airy Road northbound/Bernardsville
- Take the ramp for I-287 southbound
- Take Exit 21A for I-78 eastbound/New York City
The $27.9 million federally-funded project will replace both eastbound and westbound bridge decks that carry I-78 over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road, which are in poor condition. In addition, the existing guiderail will be brought up to current standards. New approach slabs will be constructed at all four bridges, and the roadway will be resurfaced within project limits.
The project was designed to advance in stages to minimize impact on motorists, beginning with the eastbound bridges. Construction of all bridges is expected to be completed by fall 2025.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for real-time travel information.
