Temporary Route 15 southbound bridge over Rockaway River opens in Jefferson Township
JEFFERSON TOWSNHIP, NJ (Morris County) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials Sunday announced the full opening of the temporary Route 15 southbound bridge over Rockaway River, a week earlier than anticipated, as work continues to replace the 124-year-old bridge in Jefferson Township.
Two lanes of traffic are now open on the temporary bridge structure that spans the existing closed Route 15 southbound bridge.
Southbound traffic was reduced to one lane on Monday, June 3, when movement was observed on the bridge abutments. On Tuesday, June 4, the roadway exhibited distress and NJDOT made the decision to fully close the bridge to traffic out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of the public and workers.
Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen declared a state of emergency on Thursday, June 6 over the unplanned closure of the Route 15 southbound.
Construction of the new southbound bridge will continue on an accelerated schedule to meet the original expected completion time of fall 2025.
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. NJDOT will provide advance notice of any lane or ramp closures.
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.
