$1.2M project to widen busy Montville intersection

MONTVILLE – A $1.2 million road project to add lanes to a busy Montville intersection will begin next month, Morris County officials announced.

The six-month project, which will begin next month at the Changebridge Road and Route 202 three-way intersection near Route 287, is designed to improve safety and ease traffic flow in the area.

The Morris County freeholders awarded the $1.2 million contract to the Hackensack-based Concrete Construction Corporation, which will begin the project in August with utility relocation work.

A specific start date in August was not announced, but the project is expected to be completed within six months after construction begins.

The Changebridge Road intersection is regularly backed up on Route 202 leading to the Route 287 ramp during the morning and evening commutes.

Freeholder Dave Scapicchio, the Morris County governing board’s liaison to public works and roads issues, said the project will reduce the daily backups and delays in the area.

“I know residents and officials of Montville, and motorists who have to traverse this intersection, have long sought improvements,” Scapicchio said. “This project should make a difference to these folks.”

The project will widen Route 202 from two to four total lanes, adding a lane in both directions between the Route 287 northbound off ramps and Changebridge Road.

There will also be a dedicated right turn lane constructed from Route 202 eastbound to Changebridge Road southbound.

Northbound Changebridge Road at the Route 202 intersection will be widened to two left turn lanes and dedicated right turn lane.

Americans with Disabilities Act-required curb ramps will also be built to allow mobility for physically disabled persons.

Due to these lane additions, the intersection’s entire traffic signal system will be replaced.

Morris County spokesperson Larry Ragonese said minimal lane closures are anticipated from the project, but a preconstruction meeting will determine when and if they are necessary.

If there are any lane closures during the six-month project, they will be between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., as Ragonese said the county does not allow closures before or after that time period.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com