Route 15 southbound closed as bridge replacement project advances in Jefferson Township
Traffic to be detoured during construction
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Route 15 southbound is closed and detoured as the bridge over the Rockaway River replacement project advances in Jefferson Township, according to the NJ Department of Transportation.
Route 15 southbound closed Tuesday afternoon on the bridge over Rockaway River, NJDOT said.
“It’s with regret that we confirm the complete closure of the bridge on Route 15 South near Cedar Terrace. NJ DOT made this decision due to concerns over its structural integrity. We fully understand the inconvenience this will cause our residents. My administration just got off a conference call with State Officials. We are told this will be an extended closure, and there is no projected time frame for reopening at this time, Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen said. “We are actively working with NJ DOT and State Officials on detours, diversion plans, emergency services response plans, and plans for homeowners and businesses affected, especially those along the lower portion of Route 15 South as well as the residents of Cedar Terrace.”
“At this time, please use any other alternative routes if possible. Once we have more information, we will send it to the community to keep you informed the best we can. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We understand that this is not going to be easy for all of us,” Wilsusen said.
Route 15 southbound Bridge over Rockaway River Detour:
- 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.
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 real-time travel information.
