VIDEO: Hear firsthand how NJDOT staff responded and reopened Route 46 in Warren County in just 12 days following landslide
KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – Torrential rain fall last month caused a landslide—covering a portion of Route 46 in Knowlton Township in soil, stones, and trees.
Route 46 was closed in both directions between Manunka Chunk Road/Upper Serapta Road and CR 519/Hope Bridgeville Road on Sunday, July 16 at around 8:30 a.m.
Following torrential downpours, a flooded stream in the Beaver Brook Wildlife Management Area breeched a natural berm resulting in water and debris flowing down the side of the mountain and onto approximately a half-mile of Route 46 between Manunka Chunk Road/Upper Serapta Road and CR 519/Hope Bridgeville Road.
The berm, which is on New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) property, had to be stabilized and repaired to stop the flow of water down the hill.
To begin that process, NJDOT had to build a dirt road – approximately one mile in length – leading to the access point of the natural berm. After the berm was stabilized, remaining debris was removed and any necessary repairs were completed.
NJDOT crews worked around the clock with NJDEP and local authorities to carry out the necessary work as quickly as and as safely as possible.