Route 9 southbound Bridge over Route 440 ramp deck replacement project begins in Woodbridge

One lane to be closed and traffic shifted right during first stage of work

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the start of a bridge deck replacement project on the Route 9 southbound ramp over the Route 440 westbound exit ramp to Route 9 southbound in Woodbridge.

Beginning at 11 p.m., Friday, June 7, until 7 a.m. Saturday, June 8, and again on Monday, June 10 from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, NJDOT’s contractor, Rencor, Inc., will close two lanes on the Route 9 southbound ramp over the Route 440 westbound exit ramp to Route 9 southbound. At least one lane will be maintained overnight while work is taking place.

The overnight work is necessary to close one out of three lanes on the bridge to create a work zone on the left side. The left lane and a portion of the center lane will be closed and traffic shifted to the right using the shoulder as a travel lane. This will allow two 12-foot lanes to be maintained throughout this stage. This configuration will be in place through the fall.

On Friday night, crews will install construction drums and restripe the roadway to implement the shift traffic by Saturday morning. On Monday night, construction barrier will be installed to create a safe work zone.

The $4.1 million federally-funded Route 9 southbound Bridge over Route 440 Ramp project, will replace the existing bridge deck and demolish and reconstruct the abutment walls and bearing pedestals. Minor steel repairs and guiderail improvements also will be completed as part of the work.

The existing structure was built in 1972 and carries three lanes of traffic with a right shoulder. The bridge deck is in poor condition and most of the bearings are showing signs of corrosion. The project will advance in stages and two lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout construction. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2020.

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.