Route 23 south ramp to Hamburg Turnpike to close days next week for bridge demolition

The Route 23 southbound ramp to Hamburg Turnpike/County Route 694 is scheduled to close during the day next week as a bridge replacement project continues near West Milford in Passaic County and Kinnelon in Morris County, transportation officials said.

The ramp is scheduled to be closed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, through Friday, Jan. 23, at the same time each day. The closures are needed for demolition of the existing Route 23 Bridge over the Pequannock River and Hamburg Turnpike, officials said.

Work is being done during daytime hours to avoid excessive overnight noise that could disturb nearby residents, officials said. Route 23 mainline traffic is not expected to be affected, but motorists are advised to slow down, use caution and expect minor delays in the work zone.

During the closures, drivers on Route 23 southbound who want to take the ramp to Hamburg Turnpike/High Crest Road/Bloomingdale will be directed to continue on Route 23 south, take the ramp to Kinnelon/Butler, turn left onto Kinnelon Road/County Route 618 — which becomes Kiel Avenue — then turn left onto Park Place and right onto Main Street, which becomes Hamburg Turnpike/County Route 694, officials said.

The work is part of the $78.2 million federally funded Route 23 bridge replacement project between mileposts 16.6 and 17.2 on the border of West Milford in Passaic County and Butler and Kinnelon in Morris County. The project includes replacing the bridge over the Pequannock River, Hamburg Turnpike and railroad tracks, along with drainage and utility improvements, officials said. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2028.

Officials said the schedule is subject to change because of weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website, 511nj.org, for updates and real-time travel information.