NJDOT to build pedestrian
bridge over Route 46 in Denville

(Trenton) - Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has begun a project that will install a new pedestrian bridge over Route 46 at Franklin Road in Denville Township, Morris County.

“The Route 46 pedestrian bridge reflects the State of New Jersey’s dedication to improving pedestrian safety,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “This project will provide safe pedestrian access for students at the local school and will encourage residents to walk rather than drive.”

The $4.3 million overpass will provide a safe pedestrian walkway across Route 46 at Franklin Road. This intersection has high traffic volume and lacks shoulders, which renders the roadway inaccessible to pedestrians. The new, 170-foot pedestrian bridge will provide safe access to and from the local residential areas to Riverview Elementary School and to Gardner Park. In addition, the overpass will include auxiliary stairways and ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Beginning Friday, August 8, one lane of Franklin Road northbound at Route 46 eastbound will be closed. Two lanes of Franklin Road will remain open. Temporary sidewalks and crosswalks will be provided during construction. The overpass is scheduled to open in Fall, 2009.

A single lane of Route 46 eastbound may be closed, except between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On Route 46 westbound, single-lane closures are allowed except between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information websites, www.511nj.org, for traffic updates on Route 46 and other area roadways.