MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Drivers traveling along Route 23 in Morris County should prepare for lane closures and detours this weekend as construction continues on a major roadway improvement project, state transportation officials announced.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, several lanes, ramps, and turning movements along Route 23 in Pequannock will be closed as crews install median guardrail and crash cushions, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).
The closures are expected to remain in place until 6 a.m. Monday.
The work is part of the $13.8 million Route 23 improvement project stretching from Alexander Avenue in Pequannock to Maple Lake Road in Butler.
The Route 23 northbound jug handle to Newark-Pompton Turnpike westbound will be closed throughout the weekend.
The left lanes on Route 23 in both directions at the intersection will also be closed, although at least one lane will remain open in each direction.
Left turns from Newark-Pompton Turnpike eastbound onto Route 23 northbound will be prohibited.
Drivers heading north on Route 23 who need to access Newark-Pompton Turnpike westbound should follow this detour:
Drivers traveling east on Newark-Pompton Turnpike who need to access Route 23 northbound should:
Additional closures are scheduled at the Route 23 southbound West Parkway/Alternate CR 511/Boulevard intersection.
The southbound U-turn to Route 23 northbound will be closed, along with the left lanes in both directions at the intersection.
However, the ramps to West Parkway and Boulevard southbound will remain open, and at least one lane will be maintained in each direction.
Left turns from Boulevard northbound onto Route 23 northbound will also be prohibited.
Drivers traveling south on Route 23 who need to make a U-turn onto Route 23 northbound should:
Drivers traveling north on Alternate CR 511/Boulevard who need to access Route 23 northbound should:
This weekend marks the second of four planned weekends of lane closures and detours associated with the final stages of the Route 23 improvement project.
Crews completed work at the Route 23 northbound Alexander Avenue jughandle and intersection last weekend.
Following this weekend's work, improvements are planned at the Windbeam Road/Newark-Pompton Turnpike intersection and the Jackson Avenue intersection. NJDOT said it will announce those closures in advance.
The $13.8 million project included resurfacing approximately three miles of Route 23 northbound between Alexander Avenue in Pequannock and Interstate 287 in Riverdale.
Other improvements included traffic signal upgrades at 10 intersections between Pequannock and Butler, new pedestrian signals and push buttons, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and upgraded guardrail in both directions.
According to NJDOT, most of the construction was completed over the past year, with guiderail and crash cushion installation representing the final remaining work.
All lanes and ramps could reopen earlier if construction finishes ahead of schedule. The timing of the work remains subject to weather and other conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down through construction zones and check 511NJ.org for real-time traffic updates.
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