NJDOT to install temporary bridge on Route 15 southbound over Rockaway River in Jefferson Township
Two lanes of traffic expected to be restored in six weeks
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials Friday announced plans to install a temporary bridge structure on Route 15 southbound over Rockaway River to restore two lanes of traffic while work continues to replace the 124-year-old bridge in Jefferson Township.
Southbound traffic was reduced to one lane on Monday, June 3, when movement was observed on the bridge abutments. On Tuesday, June 4, the roadway exhibited distress and NJDOT made the decision to fully close the bridge to traffic out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of the public and workers.
Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen declared a state of emergency on Thursday over the unplanned closure of the Route 15 southbound.
“It does not give us a lot of authority, but we are incurring expenses due to this closure. Hopefully, it will help recoup some costs from a situation resulting from a structural failure of a State Highway Bridge and its closure,” Wilsusen said.
NJDOT will install a temporary two-lane bridge structure that spans the existing closed bridge. Delivery and installation will be on an accelerated schedule and is expected to be complete and open to traffic in six weeks, subject to delays due to weather or unforeseen factors.
Construction of the new southbound bridge will continue on an accelerated schedule to meet the original expected completion time of fall 2025.
NJDOT continues to work with local officials to address concerns and monitor traffic and signal timings on the detour route. Adjustments will be made where possible to mitigate congestion. A website is being developed to provide project updates and additional information to the public.
Local businesses on Route 15 southbound are open and accessible via a designated lane.
The following detour, which was implemented on Tuesday, June 4, will continue until further notice while alternatives or modifications are explored:
- Motorists on Route 15 southbound wishing to take the bridge over Rockaway River will be directed to take the ramp to Edison Road/Lake Hopatcong/Mount Arlington/U and Left Turns, which is approximately two miles north of the bridge
- Continue on Edison Road/CR 615
- Turn left onto Espanong Road/CR 615, which becomes Minnisink Road
- Turn left onto Berkshire Valley Road
- Take the ramp for Route 15 southbound
The $11.6 million project will replace the Route 15 southbound Bridge over the Rockaway River. The new bridge will be a single-span concrete box beam structure with two 12-foot-wide travel lanes, 10-foot-wide inside and outside shoulders, and sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.
The new bridge will improve the roadway geometry and improve sight distance. The project will advance in stages to ease impact on motorists. NJDOT will provide advance notice of any lane or ramp closures.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for real-time travel information.
