I-287 Overpass Work to Begin, Will Last 9 Months

The James Street bridge over Interstate 287 will be closed for the next nine months starting on Friday.

Motorists should plan alternative routes around James Street as the New Jersey Department of Transportation replaces the deck, which is expected to be completed by next May.

The detour for the drivers traveling southbound on James Street will be directed to take I-287 southbound to the Harter Road exit.

Drivers heading northbound on James Street will be directed to South Gate Parkway and then to I-287 northbound to exit 35, and then drive on South Street until James Street.

The deck replacement project—which costs $2,254,000 and is federally funded—is being done because the James Street bridge is in poor condition from the weather, and has had no major alterations after it was built 40 years ago.

Last month, the at the Morris Township Municipal Building where NJDOT representatives informed residents about the project and answered any questions.

The reconstruction includes asphalt paving, curb reconstruction and guide rail upgrades. The width of the existing bridge will remain the same with new sidewalks, fencing new safety walls.