Route 23 to see weekend lane closures for temporary bridge traffic shift
Route 23 is expected to experience lane closures in both directions this weekend as crews shift northbound traffic onto a temporary bridge, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced. The work is part of the ongoing replacement of the Route 23 Bridge over the Pequannock River and Hamburg Turnpike in Passaic and Morris counties.
Beginning at noon on Saturday, Nov. 22, and continuing until noon on Sunday, Nov. 23, the left lane in both northbound and southbound directions will be closed to allow crews to pave a median crossover, restripe the roadway and adjust construction barriers. The work will facilitate the move of Route 23 northbound traffic onto a temporary bridge.
During the closure, the ramp from Hamburg Turnpike/CR 694 to Route 23 northbound, as well as access to and from High Crest Road, will be shut down. Drivers will be directed to follow a posted detour.
By noon on Sunday, Nov. 23, traffic on Route 23 northbound is scheduled to be shifted left onto the temporary structure, which spans the railroad tracks, the Pequannock River and the ramp to Hamburg Turnpike. All lanes in both directions will then reopen. Officials noted that if work finishes ahead of schedule, lanes will reopen earlier. Southbound traffic was shifted to a temporary bridge on Oct. 26.
The traffic realignment will allow demolition and reconstruction of the existing Route 23 bridge. This configuration is expected to remain in place through spring 2027.
The bridge work is part of a $78.2 million federally funded project located 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 river, Hamburg Turnpike and the railroad tracks, along with drainage and utility improvements. Completion is anticipated in fall 2028.
DOT officials advise motorists to slow down, use caution and expect delays in the work zone. The schedule may change due to weather or other factors.
Drivers can visit 511nj.org for real-time traffic updates and construction information.
