Rockfall Mitigation Work Starts On I-280 In Essex County

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A $5.6 million project to mitigate rockfall hazards in two locations on I-280 kicked off Monday, officials announced.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT):

“NJDOT officials today announced the start of a rockfall mitigation project requiring lane and shoulder closures on I-280 eastbound in West Orange, Essex County. Beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 2 until 2 p.m. and continuing tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 3 during the same hours, NJDOT’s contractor, Union Paving & Construction Co. Inc., is scheduled to close the right lane and shoulder on I-280 eastbound near Exit 7 – Pleasant Valley Way/Millburn/Verona. These closures will allow the contractor to install construction barrier in the shoulder creating a work zone. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the day.”

NJDOT officials continued:

“The shoulder on I-280 eastbound will remain closed through fall 2021. The shoulder will be reopened and the project will be on hiatus through the winter. Following the completion of rockfall mitigation work on the eastbound side of the roadway, additional daytime lane and shoulder closures will be required on I-280 westbound in Spring 2022. NJDOT will provide notice before any additional lane closures occur.”

NJDOT officials added:

“The $5.6 million federally-funded project will mitigate rockfall hazards in two locations on I-280 eastbound and westbound between milepost 6.75 and milepost 7.25. It includes excavation and rock scaling, draped rockfall mesh and riprap stone slope. The project is anticipated to be complete by summer 2022.”

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors, officials said.

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