Rail Crossing Upgrades Lead to Major Road Closures in Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Needed rail crossing improvement projects will result in road closures of major roads — including Route 10 in Roxbury — traffic detours, and delays throughout Morris County in Oct. and into early Nov.

Projects will prevail in Denville, Rockaway Bourough, Rockaway Township, and Roxbury to improve crossings on Dover & Rockaway Railroad and the Chester Branch Railroad.

"This is work that must be done for rail and motoring safety," Freeholder John Cesaro said. "We are going to try to limit the inconvenience to motorists for the shortest period of time possible. On Route 10, we will avoid the normal work and school day commuting periods."

Reconstruction of Route 10 in Roxbury:

• Closed near Eyland Avenue for the entire weekend of Oct. 21-24 to work on Morris County's Chester Branch Railroad.
• Construction will began Friday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. and end on Monday, Oct. 24 at 6 a.m. Construction crews will work 24 hours a day.
• Upgrades include a new concrete crossing, replacing the existing asphalt crossing, new striping, and installing active warning signals and devices.
• Detour: Eastbound traffic will be directed to Eyland Avenue, Righter Road, Park Avenue, Sussex Turnpike, Canfield Avenue and back to Route 10. Westbound traffic will be directed to Main Street, Eyland Avenue, and back to Route 10. A temporary access road will be available for businesses near the project area on Route 10.
• The cost of the project is $416,000. It's federally funded.

Hibernia/Stickle/Ogden Project:

Hibernia Road, Stickle Avenue and Ogden Avenue in the Rockaways and Denville will be periodically closed during the weeks of Oct. 17, 24, and 31. Construction will take place 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Construction will be completed over a three week period and will focus on one crossing a week.
• Hibernia Avenue in Rockaways and Denville will get a new concrete crossing, active warning signals and devices will be installed, and new striping will be put in place.
• Stickle Avenue in Rockaway Borough will receive a new concrete crossing, improved contour to allow for a smoother ride for vehicles, active warning signals and devices, and new striping.
• The asphalt crossing will be removed at Ogden Avenue in Rockaway Borough and new rail, ties, and stone will be installed. The Avenue will then be closed permanently to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• The project will cost $728,000. It's federally funded.

Photos courtesy of Morris County Government