Route 22 eastbound traffic returned to bridge over Rockaway River in Readington

(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced that on Friday night, October 7, both Route 22 eastbound travel lanes were shifted back on to the bridge over the Rockaway River. Since June, traffic had been diverted onto a temporary bridge structure that has been constructed in the median of the highway.

A traffic shift is in place on the new bridge, with both travel lanes shifted to the right, allowing for the continued reconstruction of the northern third of the bridge deck. NJDOT has finished reconstruction of the southern and center portions of the bridge.

NJDOT designed the bridge superstructure to be replaced in stages to limit the impacts to traffic. During the initial stage of construction the Department’s contractor, Rencor Inc., constructed the temporary bridge structure in the median of the highway, enabling NJDOT to maintain two Route 22 eastbound travel lanes during demolition and reconstruction work.

The $2.2 million project began in March 2011 and is replacing the existing structurally deficient bridge superstructure, as well as repairing the bridge abutments and pier. The bridge was built in 1945.

Remaining work includes the installation of new curbing and guide rails within the project limits and removal of the temporary bridge. NJDOT will then resurface Route 22 eastbound on either side of the bridge between Oldwick Road (CR 523) and Main Street. Construction is anticipated to be complete in spring 2012.

Motorists are also encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.