I-78 westbound Exit 29 lane closure extended one day as bridge replacement work continues in Somerset County
SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J. — A right-lane closure on the Interstate 78 westbound Exit 29 ramp to Interstate 287 will remain in effect for an additional day as crews advance a major bridge deck replacement project in Bedminster and Bridgewater Townships, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced.
The closure, which began Monday, Dec. 1, was originally expected to end by 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. NJDOT now expects the lane to reopen by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, citing delays caused by inclement weather. The ramp will stay open throughout construction, with one lane available and access maintained to both I-287 northbound and southbound.
The temporary closure is required to pour and cure a new concrete bridge deck over Routes 202/206. NJDOT is advising motorists to slow down and use caution when traveling through the work zone.
Two through lanes on I-78 westbound will continue to be maintained on the temporary roadway and bridge structure built over Routes 202/206 earlier in the project.
Oversized truck restrictions remain in place and will continue until early 2026 due to the work-zone configuration, which shifts the left two westbound lanes onto a temporary bridge in the median while a single-lane cattle chute is maintained on the right. The restrictions apply to vehicles 8.5 feet wide or more, or weighing more than 40 tons. A full detour remains in effect for oversized vehicles traveling westbound from both the New Jersey Turnpike and local access points between Exits 45 and 33.
The $67 million federally funded project will replace the aging eastbound and westbound bridge decks that carry I-78 over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road. Work also includes resurfacing, new guiderail installation, and reconstruction of approach slabs. Completion of all bridges is anticipated by late spring 2026.
NJDOT noted that all work schedules remain weather-dependent.
Motorists can visit 511nj.org for real-time travel updates and construction information.
