Ongoing project to create connections between I-78 and Garden State Parkway will require
a traffic shift and lane closure

(Trenton) - An ongoing project to create connections between I-78 and the Garden State Parkway at Interchange 142 will require a shift of I-78 eastbound local traffic and the closure of an eastbound local lane starting Friday night, March 19 and continuing for several months.

Additionally, one I-78 eastbound crossover ramp from the express lanes to local lanes will be closed and another previously closed temporary crossover ramp will be re-opened.

The changes affect a one-mile stretch of I-78 eastbound in Union Township and Hillside (Union County) and Irvington (Essex County), from milepost 52.8 to milepost 53.8.

Three I-78 eastbound local traffic lanes will be reduced to two lanes from the vicinity of the Walker Avenue Bridge to the area where the ramp from the Garden State Parkway northbound enters I-78 eastbound local lanes. Traffic on the ramp will enter I-78 eastbound as a dedicated lane and serve as the third local lane, utilizing the right shoulder.

The crossover ramp from I-78 eastbound express lanes to local lanes at milepost 53 will be closed, while the temporary crossover from express to local lanes near Chancellor Avenue will be re-opened.

Advance warning signs and permanent and portable Variable Message Signs will be used to assist motorists to safely navigate these changes.

The $125 million project, which includes the rehabilitation of I-78 local and express lanes in both directions, is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. It will provide congestion relief on local roadways, create more convenient travel patterns and improve safety and traffic flow.

Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and follow any reduced speed signs in the construction zone.

Real-time traffic information and construction activity updates are available online at www.511nj.org or by calling 511.