Commissioner Stephen Dilts Jan. 22 announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will upgrade the drainage system on Route 22 near Weequahic Park in Hillside, Union County and Newark, Essex County.

“NJDOT’s drainage improvement project will reduce flooding and increase safety on heavily-traveled Route 22 in Hillside and Newark,” said Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

NJDOT began a $4.2 million drainage improvement project along Route 22 between mileposts 58.12 and 58.82. NJDOT will improve the roadway’s drainage by upgrading the existing drainage system through the installation of larger pipes, additional inlets and a detention basin. NJDOT will increase motorist safety by installing new guide rail and curbing along the roadway and by repaving Route 22.

The project also includes minor improvements to Weequahic Park, which abuts Route 22. The proposed drainage improvements are designed to eliminate flooding for a 10 year storm event. The improvements will include new pipes and inlets along Route 22 eastbound and westbound as well as outfalls into the park. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2009.

NJDOT will maintain two lanes of traffic on Route 22 in each direction from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Shoulder closures will be necessary.

Construction will require overnight and weekend single-lane closures on Route 22. Nighttime single-lane closures on Route 22 are allowed from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 7:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday nights; 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday nights; and 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Sunday nights. Weekend single-lane closures will take place from 7:30 p.m. on Friday night through to 5:30 a.m. on Monday morning.

Access will be maintained to adjacent businesses during construction. No detours are anticipated during this project.

For more information, visit www.nj511.info.