JEFFERSON , NJ – Days after Route 15 south was closed because of an unsafe bridge that spanned the Rockaway River, Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen announced the New Jersey Department of Transportation will be “constructing a temporary bridge over the defective span.”
The temporary structure is expected to take six weeks to complete with a 24 hour/7 day a week work schedule.
“Delivery and installation will be on an accelerated schedule,” according to the NJ DOT.
Sign Up for FREE Sparta Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
“When completed, two unrestricted lanes will be open over the structure and Route 15 south will be fully re-opened to traffic,” Wilsusen said in an announcement.
“Construction of the new southbound bridge will continue on an accelerated schedule to meet the original expected completion time of fall 2025,” according to the NJ DOT.
Wilsusen said he had a virtual meeting on Friday morning with NJ DOT officials along with members of Legislative District 24 and 25, elected officials and Sussex County representatives. During the meeting he said there was discussion and the plan was announced.
"Like the rest of my Morris and Sussex County neighbors, I was frustrated and aggravated by the bridge closure and detours," Sparta Township Mayor Neill Clark said. "Thankfully, due to the forceful and persistent advocacy of Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen and local government leaders, the DOT developed a swifter and safer solution that hopefully will avoid time-consuming detours and overburdening our local roads."
Thursday afternoon, Wilsusen announced a “left through lane” to allow better access to the businesses and residences along the “top portion” of Route 15 south.
On Thursday morning, he signed a State of Emergency Declaration for the closure of Route 15 South between Taylor Road and Cedar Terrace. According to the document, the declaration allows the township to acquire “supplies, equipment and manpower necessary to temporarily reroute traffic” around the closed part of the highway.
The declaration affirms the closure, the NJ DOT will be making emergency repairs “within the disaster area” and acknowledges information distribution channels.
“Hopefully, it will help recoup some costs from a situation resulting from a structural failure of a state highway bridge and it’s closure,” Wilsusen said in an announcement.
The following detour, which was implemented on Tuesday, June 4, will continue until further notice while alternatives or modifications are explored:
Route 15 southbound Bridge over Rockaway River Detour:
The NJ DOT said they will continue to work with local officials to monitor traffic and traffic light timing along the detour routes and will make adjustments where needed to help mitigate congestion.
Get your local news delivered to your inbox for FREE each day. Subscribe to TAPinto Newton or Sparta or Like us on TAPinto Newton facebook and TAPinto Sparta facebook
TAPinto Sparta is free to read, funded entirely by business advertising. To get your business in front of thousands of readers in Sparta and the area become at TAPinto Sparta sponsor! Call 973-568-9994
Thank you for your readership!
Loading...
