Detour, Ramp Closure Near Fatal Crash Site Slows Traffic On NJ Highway

CLIFTON, NJ — After a fatal truck explosion along State Route 3 on Monday morning, transportation officials have closed an entrance ramp and one lane of the highway for an inspection near the crash site.

Authorities said that the tractor-trailer was westbound when it "clipped" a New Jersey Transit bus around 9 a.m. Monday morning, then collided with the sound barrier and burst into flames. The fiery crash claimed the life of the truck driver, a 55-year-old Linden resident, who was hauling chemicals for Brenntag Company.

Crews are surveying and inspecting the damaged barrier wall on Thursday according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Work is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

On Thursday, officials said that the eastbound ramp from Valley Road onto the highway is closed, and a detour is in place. On Route 3, the eastbound acceleration and deceleration lane between the Valley Road ramp and the Grove Street exit is also closed.

"The Route 3 eastbound Grove Street exit will remain open," NJDOT said in a traffic advisory. "The closures are necessary for inspection and survey work of the damaged sound wall."

The following detour will is in place for the Valley Road ramp to Route 3:

• Drivers on Valley Road wishing to take the ramp to Route 3 eastbound are being directed to take the ramp to Route 46 eastbound
• Take the ramp to Grove Street/Van Houten Avenue
• Turn right onto Grove Street/CR 623
• Take the ramp to Route 3 eastbound.