The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced a series of daytime closures and traffic changes in Clifton, Passaic County, as part of a safety improvement project near the Route 3 Passaic Avenue Exit Ramps and the Passaic Avenue/Ward Avenue Intersection.
From Wednesday, December 3 through Friday, December 5, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the shoulder on Passaic Avenue in both directions will be closed. Ward Avenue eastbound will also be shifted to the left during these hours. Two-way traffic will continue, and the Route 3 eastbound off-ramp will remain open. These changes are necessary for utility pole relocation.
On Thursday, December 4, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., the Route 3 eastbound on-ramp from Passaic Avenue/Ward Avenue/Kensington Avenue is scheduled to be closed to allow for utility work. Local access for residents and businesses on Kensington Avenue will be maintained. If work is not completed by Thursday, it will continue on Friday at the same time.
A detour will direct motorists wishing to access Route 3 eastbound via Passaic Avenue/Ward Avenue/Kensington Avenue to take Route 3 westbound instead, exit at Bloomfield Avenue/CR 622, turn left onto Bloomfield Avenue/CR 622, then turn left again to access Route 3 eastbound.
The $1.98 million project aims to improve safety at three intersections within the Route 3/Passaic Avenue/CR 603 Interchange:
– The intersection of Route 3 eastbound ramps with Kensington and Ward Avenues will be reconfigured so that vehicles traveling on Ward Avenue must stop while those taking the ramp from Route 3 eastbound onto Kensington can proceed without stopping.
– A new traffic signal with exclusive left-turn lanes in both directions will be installed at the Passaic Avenue and Ward Avenue intersection.
– Improvements at the intersection of Route 3 westbound ramps with Passaic Avenue include adding exclusive left- and right-turn lanes at the end of the off-ramp and an exclusive left-turn lane on southbound Passaic Avenue.
Additional improvements involve new sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian crossings connecting bus stops along both sides of Route 3. Vegetation clearing is also planned to enhance visibility on ramps.
Work schedules may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are advised to check NJDOT’s real-time travel information website at www.511nj.org for updates.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Watch NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor’s message about making roadway safety a way of life.”
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