The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced on March 13 that the I-280 westbound on-ramp from Clifton Avenue and 8th Avenue in Newark is scheduled to reopen on Monday, March 16, as a bridge deck replacement project nears completion.
The reopening marks a significant step toward finishing the $31.7 million federally funded project, which aims to improve safety and traffic flow in Essex County. The ramp has been closed since May 2023 for construction work.
According to the department, crews will remove construction barriers and restripe the road into its final configuration between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday. Traffic signals at nearby intersections will also be retimed during this period. The reopening is not expected to affect traffic on I-280 westbound itself.
The project involved replacing bridge decks on a ten-span viaduct over NJ TRANSIT tracks, Orange Street, and First Street in Newark. Additional work included substructure repairs, bearing replacements, structural steel repairs, repainting portions of the bridge, replacing an existing retaining wall to allow three through lanes beyond the bridge, and installing two new overhead sign structures over I-280. The construction was staged to minimize disruption for motorists.
Final paving for I-280 westbound is scheduled overnight later this spring to complete the project. Variable messaging signs are being used to notify drivers about changes in traffic patterns related to ongoing work. The department noted that schedules may change due to weather or other factors.
Motorists are encouraged by officials to check NJDOT’s traffic information website at www.511nj.org for updates and real-time travel information.
