WARREN, NJ — Drivers on I-78 westbound in Warren Township are expected to see overnight lane closures on Thursday.
The closures will be near Exit 36 as traffic shifts back to its original configuration for the bridge over a Tributary of Dead River replacement project in Somerset County.
Beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, the left lane on I-78 westbound is scheduled to close near Exit 36 so crews can reposition construction barrier and restripe the roadway.
At least two lanes will be maintained during that phase. At about 11 p.m., the left lane is scheduled to reopen, and the right and center lanes are scheduled to close for the same work, with at least one lane maintained.
By 6 a.m. Friday, all three westbound lanes are scheduled to reopen and shift to the left, back to the original configuration on the newly constructed portion of the bridge, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation(NJDOT).
The on-ramp from King George Road southbound onto I-78 westbound and the acceleration lane will remain closed while that part of the bridge is reconstructed.
The ramp from King George Road northbound to I-78 westbound will remain open throughout construction.
A detour for traffic trying to reach I-78 westbound from King George Road southbound will remain in place.
Drivers will be directed to take Valley Road/CR 512 westbound, turn left to stay on Valley Road/CR 512, turn left onto Martinsville-Liberty Corner Road/CR 525, and then take the ramp onto I-78 westbound.
The $6.1 million federally funded project will replace the bridge superstructure and deck.
According to the NJDOT, the work will advance in stages using precast deck panels to minimize construction time, and the project also includes guiderail upgrades.
All three lanes are expected to be maintained during most of the construction, with some lane closures at night or on weekends, according to the NJDOT.
The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.
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