Overnight lane closures scheduled on I-287 southbound in Morris County Thursday and Friday
MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Motorists traveling on Interstate 287 southbound through Hanover and Morris townships should expect overnight lane closures Thursday and Friday as construction continues on a $17.5 million bridge replacement project, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The closures are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30, as crews prepare to shift southbound traffic and implement a long-term left shoulder closure beneath the Hanover Avenue bridge. The traffic changes are necessary to allow workers to complete bridge pier repairs and other improvements.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, two right lanes on I-287 southbound will be closed until 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, while crews remove construction barriers in preparation for the upcoming traffic shift. NJDOT said at least two southbound travel lanes will remain open throughout the overnight work.
Additional closures are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and continue until 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. During that period, two southbound lanes will be closed while crews restripe the roadway and install construction barriers to shift traffic and establish a long-term left shoulder closure between mileposts 37.6 and 37.2.
According to NJDOT, Friday night’s construction is expected to begin in the two right lanes before moving to the two left lanes as work progresses. At least two southbound lanes will remain available to motorists during the overnight operations.
By 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, all southbound travel lanes are expected to reopen, with traffic shifted to the right toward the right shoulder. The left shoulder beneath the Hanover Avenue bridge will remain closed as crews continue bridge pier repairs and other improvements.
NJDOT said the new traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through spring 2027. Drivers should use caution when traveling through the construction zone, particularly while traffic is operating in the shifted configuration.
The work is part of a $17.5 million federally funded project to replace the concrete bridge deck on the Hanover Avenue, or County Route 650, bridge over I-287 in Hanover and Morris townships.
In addition to replacing the bridge deck, the project includes improvements to drainage, lighting, signage and fencing. Crews will also replace sidewalks and upgrade curb ramps to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.
Construction on the overall bridge replacement project is expected to be completed in spring 2028.
NJDOT advised motorists to slow down, use caution and anticipate delays while traveling through the affected area. The department also noted that the timing of the work could change depending on weather conditions or other factors.
Drivers can check 511nj.org for construction updates, traffic conditions and real-time travel information.
