Traffic Shifts to Affect I-80 This Weekend

Upcoming traffic pattern shifts on the Interstate 80 bridges over Interstate 287 northbound and Smith Road in both directions in Parsippany were announced today by the NJDOT.

The new construction zones in both directions of the highway will be set up this weekend. Lanes will be closed overnight in each direction Friday and Saturday night to implement the new patterns. They are expected to be in place by noon on Sunday, according to the NJDOT.

Once the new construction zones are in place, three travel lanes will be maintained on the eastbound side during daytime and peak period hours, split around either side of the work zone. Two travel lanes will be maintained to the left of the work zone and one lane maintained to the right. Access to the Exit 45 eastbound ramp (Lake Hiawatha/Whippany) will be maintained.

Westbound, three travel lanes will be maintained during daytime and peak period hours, shifted to the left utilizing the inside median shoulder. The on-ramp from 287 northbound will remain open.

The NJDOT is replacing the four existing bridge decks deemed structurally deficient. The project was scheduled in stages to ensure the highway remains open to traffic in both directions at all times. Construction began on the $6.4 million project in January 2011 and is expected to be completed this summer.

The NJDOT said precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Information can be found on www.511nj.org regarding construction updates and real-time travel information.