WARREN, NJ — Drivers on Interstate 78 west should expect overnight lane closures near Exit 36 on Friday for a bridge replacement project in Somerset County.
The closures are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Friday and continue until 7 a.m. Saturday near the I-78 westbound Bridge over Tributary of Dead River.
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the right lane on I-78 west is scheduled to close first so construction crews can reposition the barrier.
A second lane will close later in the night so the road can be restriped and traffic in the center lane can be shifted to the right onto a newly constructed portion of the bridge, creating a center work zone.
At least one lane will remain open overnight.
By 7 a.m. Saturday, all three lanes are scheduled to reopen.
The traffic pattern will include one lane on the left side of the work zone and two lanes shifted to the right.
The work is part of the $6.1 million federally funded I-78 westbound Bridge over Tributary of Dead River replacement project in Warren Township.
According to NJDOT, the bridge superstructure and deck will be replaced. The project also includes guiderail upgrades and will move forward in stages using precast deck panels to minimize construction time.
The on-ramp from King George Road southbound onto I-78 westbound remains closed and detoured for the duration of the project, according to NJDOT.
The ramp from King George Road northbound to I-78 westbound will remain open throughout construction.
Drivers trying to reach I-78 westbound from King George Road southbound are being directed to take Valley Road, also known as County Route 512, westbound, turn left to stay on Valley Road, then turn left onto Martinsville-Liberty Corner Road, County Route 525, and take the ramp onto I-78 westbound.
All three lanes on I-78 westbound will be maintained during most of construction, with some lane closures expected at night or on weekends.
The project is expected to be completed in the fall.
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