NJDOT to close Route 46 eastbound ramp connections with Hollywood Avenue in Fairfield

(Trenton) - Ramp access to and from Route 46 eastbound at the Hollywood Avenue interchange will be closed this Monday morning, June 6, in Fairfield Township, Essex County.

The ramps are being reconstructed as part of the ongoing $5.5 million overhaul that will improve safety and efficiency at the interchange. The closures are expected to remain in place for approximately 45 days. The Route 46 westbound access ramps at the interchange will remain in use.

NJDOT’s contractor, Tilcon New York Inc., will close the Route 46 eastbound on and off ramps, Monday, June 6 after the morning rush hour. The following detour routes will be in effect during the ramp closures:

• Hollywood Avenue motorists headed to Route 46 eastbound will take Fairfield Road heading northeast to the signalized entrance ramp to Route 46 eastbound.

• Route 46 eastbound motorists headed to Hollywood Avenue will exit onto Fairfield Road and head west to Hollywood Avenue.

• Route 46 eastbound motorists who would use the Hollywood Avenue interchange to U-turn onto Route 46 westbound will take Fairfield Road, head west to Hollywood Avenue north, cross over Route 46 and take ramp to Route 46 westbound.

• Route 46 westbound motorists who would use the Hollywood Avenue interchange to U-turn onto Route 46 eastbound will still take the Hollywood Avenue exit, cross over Route 46 heading south and take Fairfield Road heading northeast to the signalized entrance ramp to Route 46 eastbound.

The existing undivided ramps will be replaced with two-way ramps separated by a curbed island and will be reconfigured and signalized where they intersect with Hollywood Avenue. New acceleration and deceleration lanes are being provided where the Route 46 ramps connect with Hollywood Avenue. Dedicated turning lanes from Hollywood Avenue to the Route 46 on-ramps are also being provided.

The project also includes minor bridge repair, drainage improvements and final roadway milling and paving. Work began in July 2010 and is scheduled for completion in November 2011.

NJDOT have placed variable message signs on Route 46 to inform motorists of any traffic pattern changes during construction. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org