Temporary bridge to reopen Route 15 will take 6 weeks to build, NJ says

New Jersey will erect a temporary bridge in Jefferson Township to reopen Route 15 South, but it could be six weeks before motorists and local residents find relief.

The state Department of Transportation announced Friday that it would install a temporary, two-lane structure across the existing bridge, which was closed this week over safety concerns.

"Delivery and installation will be on an accelerated schedule and is expected to be complete and open to traffic in six weeks, subject to delays due to weather or unforeseen factors," the agency said in a statement.

Route 15 closure prompts state of emergency

The span across the Rockaway River was shut down on Tuesday, blocking a highway used by thousands of Morris and Sussex county travelers every day. Jefferson declared a state of emergency to deal with the mess that detoured traffic created on local roads.

The state has committed to a "24/7 work crew operation to the greatest extent possible" until the temporary bridge is in place, 24th District legislators Dawn Fantasia, Michael Inganamort and Parker Space added on their Facebook page. The district includes parts of Morris and all of Sussex County.

Route 15 northbound has remained open.

"Would I like to see this completed sooner? Of course, we would," Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen posted on his Facebook page Friday afternoon.

"I fully understand that the residents along the diversion are taking the brunt of this at the moment, and we are doing all we can to make the best of a bad situation. Plans are being worked on to force truck traffic onto alternate routes."

Website updates on bridge repair, traffic

The state said it would work with local officials and make changes to its detour route where possible to deal with congestion. The DOT is developing a website to update the public on the bridge project and it encouraged drivers to check the state's nj511.org site for real-time traffic information.

The DOT said its original plan for an $11.6 million permanent replacement to the bridge would continue "on an accelerated schedule to meet the original expected completion time of fall 2025."

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The state had hoped to keep the road at least partially open while it worked on that project. One lane was open on the southbound side of the highway Monday when movement was observed in a bridge abutment.

A day later, the state said, the roadway "exhibited distress and NJDOT made the decision to fully close the bridge to traffic out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of the public and workers."

Route 15 South detour in effect

The DOT said the current detour remains in effect, while "alternatives or modifications" are explored:

• Motorists on Route 15 southbound wishing to take the bridge will be directed to take the ramp to Edison Road/Lake Hopatcong/Mount Arlington/U and Left Turns, which is approximately two miles north of the bridge 
• Continue on Edison Road/CR 615 
• Turn left onto Espanong Road/CR 615, which becomes Minnisink Road 
• Turn left onto Berkshire Valley Road 
• Take the ramp for Route 15 southbound 

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