I-78 To Close In Both Directions For Rockfall Mitigation Project In Hunterdon County

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ — Interstate 78 will temporarily close in both directions on Thursday for a $29.8 million federally-funded rockfall mitigation project in Bethlehem, Hunterdon County, said New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials.

The temporary closure will be on I-78 in both directions west of Exit 11 –Route 173/W Portal/Pattenberg. It will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday and last for about 15 minutes for a rock blasting test, said NJDOT.

The project is looking to mitigate rockfall hazards along a section of I-78 eastbound and westbound between milepost 9.96 and milepost 10.55.

"It includes rock scaling to cut back the slope and excavation to widen the catch area to prevent rocks from potentially reaching the highway. In addition, there will be drainage improvements. The project is anticipated to be complete by fall 2023," according to NJDOT.

More lane closures are expected in the coming weeks on the eastbound side for roadway improvements. Traffic will be shifted toward the median to create a work zone along the right shoulder.

The shoulder was closed on May 5 and will remain closed through the fall. It will be reopened when the project goes on hiatus through the winter.

After the rockfall mitigation work is completed on the eastbound side, work will continue on the westbound side of the interstate.

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