Priority Bridge Repairs Will Close Parts Of I-78 In Essex County

NEWARK, NJ — The I-78 eastbound express lanes and the exit ramp to West Runyon Street in Newark will be closed this weekend for “priority structural bridge repairs,” the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced Thursday.

According to the NJDOT, the agency’s contractor, Mount Construction Co. Inc., is scheduled to close the I-78 eastbound express lanes and shift motorists to I-78 eastbound local lanes before the Garden State Parkway beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 until 5 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24.

“Exit 56 splits to allow traffic to go to either West Runyon Street or Peddie Street in Newark,” NJDOT officials said. “The left lane to West Runyon will be closed and detoured to Peddie Street for bridge bearing and steel girder repairs underneath the bridge.”

According to the NJDOT, sections of the ramp are required to be lifted by a jack system in order to gain access underneath to perform structural steel repairs. Inspections of the bridge found the rate of deterioration of structural members required immediate repairs.

• See related article: NJ Has 596 Structurally Deficient Bridges, Report Says
• See related article: DOT Says Expect Traffic Near Lincoln Tunnel… For Years

“Due to the nature of the jacking process which requires the bridge to be lifted and lowered in a slow and uniform rate, additional overnight ramp closures may be necessary,” NJDOT officials stated. “Traffic on the I-78 eastbound ramp to Peddie Street will continue to have access in Newark.”

The following detour will be in place during the ramp closure (I-78 eastbound EXIT 56 to West Runyon Street detour):

• Traffic on I-78 eastbound should use Exit 56 to Peddie Street
• Make a right on East Peddie Street
• Make a left on Elizabeth Avenue
• Make a left onto West Runyon Street

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors, NJDOT officials said. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates.

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