New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Stephen Dilts announced the start of a pavement reconstruction of more than 2 mi. (3.2 km) on Interstate 78 in the city of Newark, Essex County. The $12.7 million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“The ARRA is providing much-needed infrastructure improvements along this critical segment of I-78 in Newark while helping to stimulate New Jersey’s economy through the creation of new construction jobs for our citizens,” said Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

On Aug. 24, NJDOT began the rehabilitation of Route I-78 in both directions between milepost 56.2 and 58.4 in Newark City. The existing concrete roadway is seriously deteriorated and in need of rehabilitation. Overnight right-lane closures will be necessary on I-78 in both directions as construction begins, initially, to repave and re-stripe the roadway shoulders.

In early-September, NJDOT closed the left lanes of I-78 Express in both directions between the N.J. Turnpike and just west of Exit 57. An additional local lane will be added during this period to ensure that four lanes will be maintained on I-78 in each direction during daytime hours.

The project will require additional overnight lane closures:

• On I-78 Express lanes single and double lane closures will be allowed Sunday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day.

• There also will be limited full I-78 Express lane closures allowed Sunday to Thursday from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day, Friday from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day.

• On I-78 Local lanes single and double lane closures will be allowed Sunday to Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day, Friday from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day.

• There also will be various overnight closures with detours of entrance and exit ramps on I-78 throughout the project.

NJDOT will reconstruct and rehabilitate the existing concrete pavement to provide a safer and smoother roadway. The project also will install and upgrade new and existing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), improve the drainage system, and replace two overhead sign structures on I-78.

NJDOT will employ previously installed Dynamic Messaging Signs (DMS) to alert motorists of upcoming changes to traffic patterns and to provide real-time travel alerts. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information Web site, www.nj511.info for traffic updates.

ARRA will stimulate New Jersey’s economy by creating or supporting thousands of transportation-related jobs and making long-term improvements to roads, bridges and the transit system. New Jersey’s transportation allocation includes $652 million for highways and bridges and approximately $425 million for transit. That total includes approximately $164 million for county and local transportation priorities and approximately $19.5 million for transportation enhancement projects.

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