Route 15 northbound shoulder closures needed as rockfall mitigation project begins in Morris and Sussex counties
Closures necessary for prep work
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials Wednesday announced Route 15 northbound will have shoulder closures as a rockfall mitigation project begins in Jefferson Township, Morris County and Sparta Township, Sussex County.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 14, construction barrier will be placed to close the shoulder in several locations along Route 15 northbound between Weldon Road and Blue Heron Road.
The shoulder closures are necessary for staging and prep work for a rockfall mitigation project. The work will not affect any travel lanes. The barrier will be placed at the following locations – mile posts 7.2, 7.4, 7.8 in Jefferson Township and at mile posts 9.9 and 10.1 in Sparta Township.
The work is part of a $9.8 million federally funded rockfall mitigation project, Contract A to enhance the safety of motorists on Route 15 in Jefferson Township, Morris County and Sparta Township, Sussex County by stabilizing the rock slope in several locations.
The rock slope includes loose boulders and overhanging sections that create a potential for falling material that could impact travel. The project will remove loose rocks and install protection and rock catchment ditches to mitigate the risks at each location and to increase safety to the traveling public.
The project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.
