Stretch Of I-78 West To See Lane Closures, Overnight Shift In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Motorists driving on Interstate 78 west in Bedminster and Bridgewater should expect lane closures Friday as a bridge deck replacement project moves into its next stage between Exits 33 and 29 in Somerset County.

The work is part of the I-78 westbound Bridges over Washington Valley Road and Routes 202/206 Deck Replacement project.

From 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, July 24, the right lane on I-78 westbound is scheduled to be closed after Exit 33 through Exit 29.

At least two lanes will be maintained during the daytime closure. Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, July 24, until 6 a.m. Saturday, July 25, the two right lanes on I-78 westbound are scheduled to be closed after Exit 33 through Exit 29.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation(NJDOT), the overnight closures are needed to restripe the road and reposition the construction barrier so traffic on the I-78 mainline can be shifted onto the newly constructed right lane on the bridge over Washington Valley Road.

One lane will be maintained overnight on the temporary bridge over Washington Valley Road.

By 6 a.m. Saturday, all lanes are scheduled to reopen, with one lane of traffic on the mainline shifted to the right and a work zone on the left for demolition and reconstruction of the left side of the bridge over Washington Valley Road.

The NJDOT advises motorists to use caution and slow down through the work zone.

It also states that two through lanes on I-78 westbound will be maintained on the temporary road and bridge over Washington Valley Road.

An oversized truck detour remains in place for vehicles 8.5-feet wide or more and or vehicles weighing more than 40 tons.

For westbound traffic coming from the New Jersey Turnpike, those vehicles are directed to take Exit 48 to Route 24 westbound, follow Route 24 westbound to I-287 southbound, and then take Exit 21B to I-78 westbound.

Additional detours remain in place for oversized vehicles entering I-78 westbound between Exits 45 and 33.

According to the NJDOT, the restrictions are necessary because of the current traffic configuration in the work zone, which starts near the Scenic Overlook, which is closed, through Exit 29/I-287.

The $67 million federally funded project will replace both eastbound and westbound bridge decks carrying I-78 over Routes 202/206 and Washington Valley Road, update guiderail to current standards, build new approach slabs at all four bridges, and resurface the roadway within the project limits.

Construction of all bridges is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

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