Lane Closures on Route 280 Expected Overnight Due to Major Bridge Repairs

You might want to make plans this week if you take Route 280 at night.  Beginning Monday, July 21, there will be overnight lane closures on I-280 between East Hanover and Roseland, right where it crosses the Passaic River.

The closures are part of a $12 million federally funded project to fix up the bridge. The goal is to rebuild the upper portion of the bridge and make a number of safety changes.  For sure, the job will last until fall 2029, says the New Jersey Department of Transportation.  But it’s being done one step at a time to keep traffic as smooth as possible.

 How you get to work will have to change?

Each night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Thursday, just one lane in each direction will remain open near the bridge. That means one eastbound and one westbound lane will stay accessible while the others are temporarily closed. All lanes will reopen by morning, but drivers are still being warned to expect delays.

And like with all roadwork, weather can shift things around, so if you’re planning to travel during those hours, it’s a good idea to check 511nj.org for real-time updates before hitting the road.

Not only is work being done on the road’s surface. The bridge abutments will also be fixed up, guiderails will be replaced, a wildlife fence will be put up, and the bridge piers under the structure will be strengthened to prevent erosion.

Traffic officials also said that the road closures this week are preparing for a future change in traffic flow. They are going to give drivers a lot of time to get used to the change.
For now, if you’re driving in the area at night, go more slowly , pay attention, and give yourself more time. It’s unpleasant right now, but the long-term benefits to safety are well worth the wait.