Extreme Heat Buckles Major North Jersey Highway, Closing Lane

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Morris County motorists should expect more traffic issues in the area after the intense heat wave caused a section of 287 southbound to buckle, according to the NJ Department of Transportation.

On Tuesday, around 3 p.m., bridge joints expanded around Riverdale and Montville, causing the roadway’s concrete to buckle, officials said.

"The right lane on I-287 southbound at milepost 52.6, which is south of Route 23 in Riverdale, is closed. The left and center lanes remain open,” an NJDOT statement read. “The left and center lanes on I-287 southbound at milepost 49.3, which is after the Brook Valley Road Bridge over I-287 in Montville, are closed.”

Temporary repairs were made around 4:30 p.m. to open the right lane and shoulder, using the shoulder as a travel lane.

Repairs are still underway, and officials said that it is unclear when they will be complete.

Drivers are urged to slow down in the area, use caution, and expect delays.