NJDOT announces efforts to protect stretches
of Route 46 and I-80 from falling rocks

(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced the start of a project to remove loose rock and stabilize rocky outcrops along sections of Interstate 80 in Allamuchy Township, Warren County and Route 46 in Roxbury Township, Morris County.

Beginning on Friday, December 2, NJDOT’s contractor, H&G Contractors Inc., will close the right shoulder and the right-most travel lane along I-80 westbound, between mileposts 15.5 and 15.7, to establish a construction zone adjacent to the highway. The right lane is expected to remain closed for approximately two months. Precast concrete construction barrier will be installed and existing guide rail removed to provide workers the space to maneuver.

The work along Route 46, between mileposts 32.8 and 33, will begin further into the construction schedule and will require permanent shoulder closures in both directions for the construction zone set up.

In addition, NJDOT will permit the temporary closure of all lanes on I-80 westbound and Route 46 for rock scaling operations for 15-minute periods between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m., only as needed. No closures will be permitted on weekends.

The contractor will construct wire mesh slope protection on the face of the rock outcrop along both highways, and construct new guide rail along the base of the rock embankments. A new rock catch fence will also be installed along I-80 westbound. NJDOT anticipates completing the project in spring 2012.

NJDOT addressed the rock outcrops along I-80 eastbound at this location in Allamuchy in a prior contract, which was substantially completed in September.

Variable Message Signs will be used to inform motorists of traffic pattern changes during construction. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org.