I-78 westbound lane closures set this weekend in Somerset County for bridge work
SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J. – Two left lanes of I-78 westbound will be closed this weekend for bridge work in Bedminster and Bridgewater as a $67 million deck replacement project continues, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The closure will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and last until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6. It will stretch from milepost 34.2, just after the on-ramp from Martinsville Road/Exit 33, through milepost 31.0, just past the bridge over Routes 202/206.
The closure is needed for deck panel repairs, milling and paving, and other work on the temporary bridges in the median over Washington Valley Road and Routes 202/206, officials said.
During the closure, all traffic will be directed into the single right-lane “cattle chute” over Washington Valley Road, which has construction barriers on both sides. After crossing the road, the left lane will reopen.
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Drivers continuing on I-78 westbound must use the left lane.
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Drivers heading to Exit 29 for I-287 must use the right lane.
Truck detour
A detour for wide-load and heavy trucks, in place since May, will remain through early 2026. It applies to vehicles 8.5 feet wide or more and/or weighing more than 40 tons.
- Trucks from the New Jersey Turnpike traveling west on I-78 will be directed to Exit 48 to Route 24 westbound, then to I-287 southbound, and back to I-78 westbound via Exit 21B.
- Oversized vehicles on local roads between Exits 45 and 33 will be redirected eastbound to Route 24 westbound, then to I-287 southbound, and back to I-78 westbound via Exit 21B.
Project details
The 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. Crews will also update guiderails, build new approach slabs, and resurface the roadway within the project limits.
Work began with the eastbound bridges, with westbound construction now underway. Completion is expected by late spring 2026.
Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution in the work zone. Variable message signs will provide updates, and drivers can check 511nj.org for real-time traffic information.
