New I-78 eastbound ramp to I-287 northbound to open this weekend in Somerset County

Existing ramp to be closed and detoured Friday night

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the new ramp from I-78 eastbound to I-287 northbound will open this weekend as the Interchange Improvements project advances in Bedminster, Somerset County.
In order to open the new ramp, the existing ramp from I-78 eastbound to I-287 northbound is scheduled to be closed Friday night to install new signs, restripe the roadway, and remove barrier curb.

Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, June 7, until 5 a.m. Saturday, June 8, NJDOT’s Contractor, Midlantic Construction LLC., is scheduled to close the I-78 eastbound ramp to I-287 northbound. The ramp from I-78 eastbound to I-287 southbound will remain open. The following detour will be in place:

I-78 eastbound to I-287 northbound detour:

• I-78 eastbound traffic wishing to go to I-287 northbound will be directed to I-287 southbound
• Stay right and take Exit 17 for Route 202/206 South
• Take the exit for Commons Way/Garretson Road
• Turn left on Commons Way
• Stay in the right lane and take the ramp to Route 202/206 north
• Stay left to get on I-287 north

Upon reopening the ramp by 5 a.m., Saturday, June 8, traffic will be shifted onto a newly built bridge over I-287 that connects to a new loop ramp that allows traffic to enter I-287 northbound on the right side. By moving the ramp from a left side entry onto I-287 northbound to a right side entry improves safety by eliminating the downstream weave condition and reducing vehicle conflicts between Interchanges 21A and 22A

The $24.5 million federally-funded I-287/I-78 Interchange Improvements project will enhance safety and improve traffic operations between the existing I-287 interchanges with I-78 and Routes 202/206. The project is on schedule, and expected to be completed in late 2019.
Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes. NJDOT will provide information before any upcoming road or ramp closures.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.