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A state of emergency has been declared in Jefferson Township, New Jersey, due to a bridge closure on Route 15 southbound. The closure, which was announced on Tuesday (June 4), has resulted in heavy traffic on other roads and residential streets.
The road's bridge over the Rockaway River was deemed unsafe by state transportation officials, prompting the closure by the Cedar Terrace intersection. This has caused significant disruption, limiting access to local homes and businesses and affecting drivers from other communities who use Route 15 to reach I-80.
Mayor Eric Wilsusen stated that the emergency declaration could help town officials secure more resources to reroute traffic, restore access to homes and businesses, and recoup any costs the town has incurred due to the closure. He also mentioned that the New Jersey Department of Transportation is expected to have a plan in place to either partially reopen the bridge or find another way to alleviate traffic on local roads.
The closure has caused significant inconvenience for residents, with some reporting that short trips have taken much longer than usual. For example, a five-mile trip reportedly took 35 minutes, and some students arrived at school almost two hours late.
Officials from Morris and Sussex County are assisting Jefferson Township with managing the traffic flow. Motorists are urged to remain patient, plan for delays, and follow the posted detour signs and the instructions of law enforcement officers monitoring traffic.