Major Route 208 Resurfacing Project Ramps Up

The New Jersey Department of Transportation started preliminary construction work this week on a Route 208 resurfacing project that will span Fair Lawn and Glen Rock and should cause intermittent highway lane closures in both directions until early fall.

The $8.8-million resurfacing project, which stretches 3.4 miles north from the Route 4 interchange in Fair Lawn to just south of Lincoln Avenue in Glen Rock, is expected to improve motorist safety and extend the lifespan of the roadway's pavement, according to an NJDOT statement.

Dello Pello Construction, the DOT's contractor for the project, began performing site mobilization, sign installation and deck patching this week, but serious resurfacing efforts aren't expected to ramp up until April.

When they do, overnight lane closures in both directions and periodic entrance and exit ramp shutdowns are anticipated.

To minimize traffic impacts, the Department has scheduled the resurfacing work during off-peak hours and plans to maintain at least one open travel lane at all times.

The contractor will perform work on four-lane sections of 208 — two lanes in each direction — after 9 p.m. and on six-lane sections of 208 — three lanes in each direction — between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and after 8 p.m., according to a Department statement.

NJDOT will establish short detours for motorists while entrance and exit ramps are closed for resurfacing.

In addition to resurfacing the roadways and ramps, NJDOT will also make traffic signal modifications and curb ramp upgrades at certain spots.

Fair Lawn borough manager Tom Metzler said the federally-funded project includes storm water upgrades, bridge decks repairs, guard rail upgrades, ADA-compliant sidewalk ramp installation, clearance of vegetation and trees behind guard rails and drainage improvements at Morlot Avenue and 208.

Throughout the project, NJDOT said it would use variable roadside signs and its traffic information website to provide motorists with the latest on resurfacing efforts and construction-related congestion.