Route 15 traffic flowing again after emergency bridge opens. DOT outlines next steps

The wait is finally over for Route 15 commuters. After weeks of local detours and delays, two lanes opened on the highway's temporary southbound bridge early Sunday, five days before the expected completion.

The Department of Transportation reopened an emergency bridge over the Rockaway River around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. By noon on Monday, the state's NJ511 traffic map showed free-flowing to moderate traffic approaching the new span, near Berkshire Valley Road. An $11.6 million project to build a permanent replacement for the southbound bridge will continue construction, with completion projected for fall 2025.

"I want to commend the outstanding efforts to quickly deliver vital infrastructure solutions and restore traffic on Route 15 southbound in Jefferson Township," Gov. Phil Murphy said in an NJDOT news release. "This rapid response ensures the continued safety and connectivity for Jefferson Township and surrounding communities,"

The bridge was closed June 4 after safety inspectors noticed signs of "distress" on the 124-year-old structure, which was already slated for replacement. A complete closure wasn't expected, however, and led to weeks of heavy volume on surrounding roads in Jefferson and delays for thousands of motorists who use the road daily. Jefferson declared a state of emergency within days, and local businesses along the strip have suffered from lack of access for customers.

"The bridge contractor and NJ DOT have worked diligently to get everything in place to open the temporary bridge on Route 15 South a day earlier than expected and a week earlier than projected." Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen wrote on Facebook Sunday morning.

Next steps in Route 15 project

In the coming days, he said, the state will remove temporary signage, traffic signals, and road paint that were put in place to ease traffic on the detour route along Edison, Espanong, Minnisink & Berkshire Valley roads.

"My birthday is Tuesday, so happy birthday to me! What a great present!" Wilsusen added.

Email: NFlanagan@gannett.com