Temporary Bridge Fix Coming For Route 15 South In Jefferson, Per NJDOT

JEFFERSON, NJ — Transportation officials said they hope to have a temporary bridge constructed within the next six weeks, to get traffic moving on a section of Route 15 South in Jefferson Township that has been closed since Tuesday afternoon.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation also said that the original construction project — which consists of replacing the 124-year-old bridge — will continue on "an accelerated schedule" to make the expected completion date of fall 2025. NJDOT announced the plan for a temporary two-lane structure on Friday.

Jefferson had declared a local emergency Wednesday, after the closure caused major delays, sent heavy traffic onto smaller roads, and complicated access to local businesses and residents. A detour is still in place, and NJDOT said they are still working with the town and local officials to monitor traffic and address concerns.

The town's mayor Eric Wilsusen has been updating the community on his Facebook page.

"We have been informed that construction will be 24/7," he said in sharing news about the temporary bridge. "When completed, two unrestricted lanes will be open over the structure, and Route 15 South will be fully re-opened to traffic."

The mayor also said officials are working on plans "to force truck traffic onto alternate routes."

Wilsusen also took a moment to encourage Jefferson Township residents to patronize local businesses, particularly those on Route 15 South between Edison Road and Berkshire Valley Road. These include: Jefferson Dairy, Roasted Breadfruit, Ridge Powersports, All Roads Cafe, Franks Pizza, North Jersey Mixed Martial Arts Academy, and Jefferson Tire Shop.

Those businesses are accessible through a designated lane.

NJDOT also said they are working on a website that will keep residents better updated on the bridge replacement project and other information.

Wilsusen also expressed his thanks to Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-NJ-25) for their "unwavering support," and for helping advocate for the town.

"Both have been in constant contact with me, and Senator Bucco has been instrumental in helping me navigate the State bureaucracies," he said.

Previous coverage:

• Bridge Closure Continues In Jefferson, Town Has Declared State Of Emergency
• NJ Route 15 Bridge Closure Causes Major Headaches; Town Asks State For Help
• Bridge Deemed Unsafe, Part Of Route 15 Closed In Jefferson: Officials