I-78 westbound lane closures this weekend as bridge replacement project advances in Somerset County
Closures necessary for milling and paving
SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Lane closures are scheduled this weekend on I-78 westbound as work continues on the deck replacement project for the I-78 westbound bridges over Washington Valley Road and Routes 202/206 in Bedminster and Bridgewater Townships.
Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, the right lane on I-78 westbound will be closed between the Exit 33 on-ramp and Exit 29/I-287. This closure is necessary to allow for milling and paving. At least two lanes will remain open during the day Saturday, and Exit 29 to I-287 northbound and southbound will remain accessible.
The Scenic Overlook will also be closed beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, and will remain closed until the project is completed.
In addition, a second lane on I-78 westbound is scheduled to be closed from just before the Scenic Overlook to Exit 29 beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 13. One lane will remain open, and Exit 29 to I-287 northbound and southbound will remain open. This closure is required to restripe the roadway.
Motorists traveling on I-78 westbound should expect congestion and delays this weekend and may wish to consider alternate routes.
The current traffic configuration has the left two lanes shifted onto a temporary bridge in the median over Washington Valley Road, while a single right lane remains on the mainline to create a work zone for the demolition and reconstruction of the right side of the bridge. All lanes in this stretch are through lanes.
After the temporary bridge over Washington Valley Road, all three lanes merge before splitting again. The two left lanes shift onto a temporary bridge over Routes 202/206 to continue on I-78 westbound, while the right lane on the mainline becomes an exit-only lane for I-287. Motorists wishing to take I-287 must be in the right lane to access the exit.
The traffic shift onto the temporary median bridges began in February and is expected to remain in place until summer 2025. This configuration is necessary to safely demolish and reconstruct the right side of the bridges.
The $67 million federally funded project will replace the eastbound and westbound bridge decks carrying I-78 over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road, which are currently in poor condition. The project will also update guiderails to meet current standards, construct new approach slabs at all four bridges, and resurface the roadway within the project limits. The work is progressing in stages to minimize impacts on traffic, beginning with the eastbound bridges. All construction is expected to be completed by late spring 2026.
The timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to visit www.511nj.org for real-time travel updates and construction information.
