I-78 eastbound lane closures Friday through Sunday as bridge deck project advances in Somerset County
I-287 northbound ramp to I-78 eastbound also closed and detoured
SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – I-78 eastbound is scheduled to have two right lanes closed this weekend 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 ramp to I-78 eastbound is scheduled to be closed and detoured.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 22 until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 24, the right shoulder on I-78 eastbound is scheduled to be closed after the I-78/I-287 interchange split with two through lanes maintained until the entrance ramp from I-287 southbound. In addition, the ramp from I-287 southbound to I-78 eastbound will remain open, but there will be a temporary stop sign at the end of the ramp, where it merges with I-78 eastbound.
Where the roadway splits in the construction zone, the right two lanes will be closed, and all I-78 eastbound traffic will be directed to stay left to take the temporary bridge in the median. The closures are necessary to pour the concrete bridge deck on the I-78 eastbound Bridge over Routes 202/206.
In addition, the I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound, which becomes the right lane on I-78 eastbound, is scheduled to be closed and detoured at the same time.
I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound Detour:
- Motorists on I-287 northbound wishing to take the Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound will be directed to continue on I-287 northbound
- Take Exit 26B/CR 525 north/Mt Airy Road north/Bernardsville
- Stay right to take the ramp to I-287 southbound
- Take Exit 21A to I-78 eastbound
Motorists on I-78 eastbound should expect heavy congestion and delays on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and may want to consider alternate routes.
By 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 24, the I-287 northbound Exit 21A ramp to I-78 eastbound and all lanes on I-78 eastbound will reopen with the two left lanes over the temporary bridge available to cars. Trucks are directed to use the right two lanes on I-78 eastbound. In addition, the stop sign at the end of the I-287 southbound ramp to I-78 eastbound will be removed and returned to a yield.
The $57 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 updated 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 impacts on motorists, beginning with the eastbound bridges. Construction of all bridges is expected to be completed by late fall 2025.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for real-time travel information.
