Berkshire Valley Road Trestle Is Reopening After Truck Accident

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The railroad trestle over Berkshire Valley Road will reopen to rail service Friday after being closed for over a week due to damage caused when a large truck became wedged under the overpass.

Traffic in the road underneath has also been affected, with only one lane currently open. The new traffic pattern will remain for the time being as repairs continue. Drivers will continue alternating the use of that one lane, with the traffic controlled by electronic signals.

The accident occurred around 7 a.m. July 13. Engineers initially estimated the road and trestle would need to be closed for up to a month, but contractors were able to obtain steel replacement beams and make repairs on an expedited schedule.

READ MORE: Berkshire Valley Road In Kenvil Closed After Truck Accident

Berkshire Valley Road is a major route for commercial trucking, stretching from Route 46 in Kenvil to North Dell Avenue. However, truck traffic is limited because vehicles cannot be higher than 11 feet, 5 inches because of the trestle.

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority had been studying since February the possibility of elevating the trestle, according to the County of Morris. While the project is still years from being finalized, the goal is to improve and maintain the freight rail service and to enhance the traffic pattern along Berkshire Valley Road and North Dell Avenue.