I-78 westbound wide-load and heavy truck detour begins as bridge replacement project advances in Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – A detour for wide-load and heavy trucks on I-78 westbound is now in effect as part of the I-78 westbound bridge deck replacement project over Washington Valley Road and Routes 202/206 in Bedminster Township and Bridgewater Township.

The detour, which began earlier today, applies to all vehicles 8.5 feet wide or more and/or those weighing more than 40 tons. It is expected to remain in place until early 2026 while construction continues in Bedminster and Bridgewater.

Detour Routes:

Oversized trucks traveling westbound from the NJ Turnpike:

• All vehicles on I-78 westbound that are 8.5-feet wide or more and/or vehicles weighing more than 40 tons on both the Express Lanes and Local Lanes will be directed to take Exit 48 to Route 24 westbound
• Follow Route 24 westbound to I-287 southbound
• Take Exit 21B to I-78 westbound

Oversized vehicles entering I-78 westbound between Exits 45 and 33:

• Oversized vehicles on local roads looking to get on I-78 westbound between Exit 45/Glenside Avenue and Exit 33/Martinsville Road will be directed to take I-78 eastbound
• Stay right to take I-78 eastbound Local Lanes
• Stay left to take Exit 48 to Route 24 westbound
• Follow Route 24 westbound to I-287 southbound
• Take Exit 21B to I-78 westbound

Oversized vehicles that get on I-78 westbound between Exit 45/Glenside Avenue and Exit 36/King George Road will be directed to take Exit 33 and do a U-turn to take I-78 eastbound to Route 24 westbound.

Reason for Detour:

The oversize vehicle restrictions are necessary because of the current I-78 westbound traffic configuration in the project work zone, which starts near the Scenic Overlook (which is closed) through Exit 29/I-287. The left two lanes are shifted onto a temporary bridge in the median over Washington Valley Road, and a single right lane cattle chute is being maintained on the mainline to create a work zone to demolish and reconstruct the right side of the bridge. All lanes are through lanes.

After the temporary bridge over Washington Valley Road, all three lanes come back together and then split once again. The two left lanes are shifted onto the temporary bridge over Routes 202/206 to continue on I-78, and the right lane on the mainline is an exit only lane for I-287. Traffic wishing to take I-287 must be in the right lane to access the exit.

Project Scope:

The $67 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.

The work is being done in stages to reduce traffic disruption, with project completion expected by late spring 2026.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor 511nj.org for real-time traffic information. Work schedules remain subject to change due to weather or other factors.