Lane Closures Set For I-78 Bridge Project Over Raritan River

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Drivers can expect lane closures and a traffic shift beginning on Friday as part of the I-78 Bridge over the Raritan River replacement project in Bedminster.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, the right lane will be closed on I-78 westbound near the Bridge over the Raritan River in Bedminster, said New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials.

At 11 p.m., the center lane also will be closed. At 1 a.m., the right lane will reopen and the left lane will be closed.

These closures will allow the contractor to install construction barrier and restripe the roadway to prepare for a traffic shift.

By 6 a.m. Saturday, all three lanes will reopen, with traffic shifted to the right into the shoulder.

This traffic shift will create a work zone to construct a temporary bridge to carry I-78 westbound over the river while the existing bridge is being reconstructed. This shift is anticipated to remain in place through the end of the year, according to the NJDOT.

The $6.5 million federally-funded project will replace the existing bridge carrying I-78 westbound over the North Branch of the Raritan River, which is in poor condition. The project is anticipated to be complete in 2023.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.