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I-78 temporary closure to occur three days a week for several months for rockfall mitigation project in Hunterdon County

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials Friday announced the temporary closure of I-78 in both directions will occur three days a week for several months for a rockfall mitigation project in Bethlehem Township.

Beginning next week, blasting will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays,
and Thursdays, through the end of September.

I-78 will be closed for approximately 15 minutes in both directions west of Exit 11 – Route 173/W Portal/Pattenberg during the rock blasting. New Jersey State Police will be assisting with the temporary closures.

Following the completion of rockfall mitigation work on the eastbound side of the roadway, work will continue on I-78 westbound. NJDOT will provide notice before any additional lane closures occur.

The $29.8 million federally-funded project will mitigate rockfall hazards along a section of I-78 eastbound and westbound between milepost 9.96 and milepost 10.55. It includes rock scaling to cut back the slope and excavation to widen the catch area to prevent rocks from potentially reaching the highway. In addition, there will be drainage improvements. The project is anticipated to be complete by fall 2023.

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 construction updates and real-time travel information.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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