$11.8 Million Route 46 Road Repair Project Kicks Off in North Jersey

Work crews hit the ground on an $11.8 million fix-up of Route 46, stretching across Essex and Morris counties. The massive overhaul will run until spring 2026, touching 11 miles of worn-down highway, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced per Patch.com.

Starting Oct. 8, workers blocked off shoulders in both directions between Route 202 in Denville and Passaic Avenue in Fairfield. These spots stay closed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Night work cranks up on Oct. 13. Crews will shut one westbound lane in Fairfield: from Passaic Avenue to Gardner Road. The two-week job runs Monday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On the eastbound side, workers tackle a 4.3-mile stretch from Denville's Crestview Road, through Mountain Lakes, ending at Montville's Chapin Road. They'll also lay fresh asphalt across 2.1 miles between Gardner Road and Fairfield Avenue.

Westbound repairs split into two chunks. First comes a 2.6-mile section linking Passaic Avenue to Gardner Road. Then crews push through 8.5 miles, starting at Hook Mountain Road in Montville, snaking through Mountain Lakes and Parsippany-Troy Hills, before hitting Route 202 in Denville.

Night shifts keep one lane moving. Weather might shake up the schedule, say state officials.

This isn't just about smooth roads. Workers will fix broken drains, patch up sidewalks, and install new curbs. They're also making ramps that work better for people with disabilities.

The fix-up starts on the eastbound lanes. Once done, teams switch to the westbound stretch between Gardner Road and Passaic Avenue. This smart timing helps keep cars moving.

State planners picked work hours carefully. Shoulder work stays out of rush hour's way. Lane shutdowns happen when most folks are home.

Smart drivers should check conditions and pack extra minutes into their trips through these spots. If big changes pop up, state workers will spread the word fast.