NJDOT to Begin Rockfall Mitigation Operations on I-80 in Montville

Rockfall mitigation operations along Interstate 80 eastbound in Montville will begin on Saturday that will cause off-peak lane closures, as well as possible full roadway closures, according to a release from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

NJDOT will close a .4-mile stretch of the right shoulder between mileposts 47.5 and 47.9 to establish a construction zone adjacent to the highway. At the same time, the right shoulder along I-80 westbound in the same location will be reopened after similar construction activity was completed.

Temporary single- and double-lane closures will be allowed on I-80 eastbound during off-peak hours, according to the release. In addition, NJDOT will permit full roadway closures of all lanes on I-80 for rock scaling operations for 15-minute periods between midnight and 4 a.m., as needed.

To ensure rocks that could potentially fall do not end up on the highway, wire mesh slope protection will be constructed on the face of the rock outcrop along both sides of I-80, and new guide rail will be installed along the base of the rock embankments, according to the release. Rock catch fences will also be installed along portions of the highway. 

Precast concrete construction barrier will be installed and the existing guide rail will be removed to provide workers the space to maneuver.

The work is part of a $1.4 million project to remove loose rock and stabilize rocky outcrops at two separate locations along I-80. NJDOT began similar rockfall safety operations last October in Allamuchy and Frelinghuysen townships in Warren County.

Project completion in both Morris and Warren counties is anticipated this fall.