NJDOT to reconstruct Route 206 bridge
over Black River in Chester
One travel lane to remain open in each direction during construction

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced a project to replace the Route 206 bridge superstructure in both directions over the Black River in Chester Township, Morris County.

The $1.3 million federally-funded project will replace the existing, structurally deficient bridge superstructure, repair the bridge abutments and resurface the bridge approaches. The existing bridge was built in 1928.

“Maintaining our existing infrastructure is a top priority for the Department,” said Commissioner James Simpson. “Route 206 will be a safer highway for motorists as a result of this important project.”

Beginning this weekend, NJDOT’s contractor, Konkus Corporation, is scheduled to enact overnight single-lane closures with alternating traffic to set up the construction zone. Route 206 will be shifted to the northbound side of the bridge with the work zone established on the southbound side of the highway, defined by construction barrier. Once the construction zone is in place, one lane will be maintained on Route 206 in each direction.

The superstructure replacement work will be accomplished in stages allowing Route 206 to remain open to traffic in both directions during the majority of construction. The use of pre-cast concrete bridge components enables NJDOT to significantly shorten the construction schedule and minimize impacts to traffic. Subsequent construction stage changes will require further traffic pattern changes in the area. All work is weather dependent.

Heavy and wide-load trucks will be restricted from using the bridge during construction. Signs will be posted on I-80 eastbound and on Route 206 northbound near I-287 alerting truck drivers to this restriction.

All marine access will be restricted along the Black River between the boat launch from Pleasant Hill Road and Route 206. Signs will be posted on Pleasant Hill Road and Hillside Road alerting recreational canoeists and kayakers of this restriction.

NJDOT has coordinated with Chester Township and nearby Roxbury Township officials throughout the design process. The project is expected to be complete in November 2011.

Variable message signs will notify motorists of upcoming traffic pattern changes. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org