Virtual information center opens on Route 15 and Berkshire Valley Road project
Comments on Improvement Project May be Made by Email or Mail
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has opened its Virtual Public Information Center to provide local residents and businesses with information on the Route 15 and Berkshire Valley Road Intersection Improvement Project.
The portal to a narrated, photo and slide array of the project may be accessed at www.Rt15BVRPIC.com, which will remain active from now until June 27, 2021. The presentation also offers opportunities and instructions for the public to submit questions and leave feedback.
Route 15 in Jefferson Township is a highly congested corridor that provides regional access to points north and south, with heavy delays experienced by motorists in both the morning and evening peak hours. The goal of the project is to improve the safety and operation of the signalized intersection of Route 15 and Berkshire Valley Road.
The NJDOT proposes to realign and widen Berkshire Valley Road to improve the geometry and accommodate a five-lane section between Route 15 northbound and southbound. This new five-lane section will include a dual left-turn lane from Berkshire Valley Road southbound to Route 15 southbound.
Additional improvements include widening and extending the Route 15 northbound outside, through lane; the construction of sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; the complete replacement of the two traffic signals, and upgrades to the existing stormwater conveyance system and guide rail. Construction will be completed in two primary stages while maintaining the existing lane configurations and function of the intersections.
During Stage 1, all traffic lanes will be maintained and shifted to accommodate the proposed widening.
During Stage 2, all traffic lanes will be maintained and shifted onto the newly widened roadways while the remainder of the improvements are constructed.
Daily lane closures during daytime, off-peak and overnight hours in addition to overnight ramp closures with a detour, are proposed to limit congestion and delay. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained.
Utility and access impacts are necessary for this project. Obtaining right-of-way will be required, including partial acquisitions and easements.
Project Schedule:
- Complete Design: Spring 2022
- Start Construction: Summer 2022
- Complete Construction: Summer 2023
Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) said the improvements will help residents and businesses in the area and urged those who will be affected to provide feedback and get information from NJDOT’s online presentation and virtual Public Information Center for the project.
“This heavily traveled corridor has been a headache for a long time, and we’re finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Pennacchio said. “The presentation will help answer the public’s questions about the intersection improvement plans. This is only the first step in a process that will not be completed for more than two years.
“Families and commuters will want to make plans to adjust their travel routes and departure times once construction begins in the summer of 2022,” Pennacchio said.
