Route 23 has been under heavy construction between West Milford and Kinnelon, causing major traffic shifts for over a year. Due to the replacement of the High Crest Bridge, over the Pequannock River and Hamburg Turnpike, the project has been scheduled for a completion date of Fall 2028.
Since the High Crest Bridge was built in 1934, it has not been able to withstand the amount of traffic on the highway. Over time, this bridge developed cracks, needed resurfacing, and much of the structure was outdated.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) started this project in March 2024. Officials say the bridge is too worn down and needs to be rebuilt to keep drivers safe. They’ve decided the safest option is to fully replace the entire bridge because small repairs weren’t enough to fix the problems.
The project began with tree-cutting in February 2023, and slowly made its way to confirmation in October 2023 to replace the deteriorating bridge. In early 2024, the plans for construction officially started, including wildlife safety plans.
Throughout 2025, several overnight lane closures were planned to prepare for the first traffic shift. On Oct. 25-26, traffic in the south shifted onto temporary bridges after overnight closures and restructures.
The bridge had undergone previous repairs since its installation, but the steel underneath was rusted and losing strength. Narrow lanes and a lack of shoulders made the bridge unsafe for modern traffic.
On Nov. 22-23, northbound traffic shifted onto temporary bridges, including left lane closures in each direction to create a safer workplace. These temporary bridges will stay, keeping one lane open through Spring 2027.
“I can see the effect the bridge construction is having on the traffic pattern,” said Kinnelon resident Wendy Pineda. “I personally have no problem with the project itself, but I find myself caught up in the traffic when trying to get to stores on the highway,” she added.
These changes are causing traffic for the locals and commuters, and lane configurations and traffic shifts are constant. Many people are taking backroads to avoid the highway as much as possible because of these circumstances.
Delays frustrate many residents in the area because drivers are likely being rerouted. Some people take Apshawa Road up in West Milford, and roads going towards Bloomingdale and Boonton are also commonly used to avoid traffic.
Science teacher Vincent Passariello said that he doesn’t mind the way NJDOT is managing the bridge work. He liked the idea of taking down the entire bridge at once, rather than taking it down in multiple parts.
“Anytime they change a traffic pattern, it’s always going to cause delays for people,” he stated, agreeing that it is an inconvenience. “In the long run, it will become something that will save time for everyone.”
While construction continues, drivers should still expect many lane changes, slower speed limits, and delays over the next two years. Many people are already noticing heavy traffic during busy times of the day.
Local business owner Robert Szipocs commented that the best way to be informed is to look at the town’s Facebook page for any updates. He said, “Facebook always has information on the latest news for nearby towns and cities.”
Another helpful resource for information about the area, which is recommended for motorists, is the 551.nj.org website. This resource reports any casualties, disasters, or updates, and the flow of traffic can be viewed on this website.
While the project is currently causing trouble for drivers, many citizens believe the new bridge will be worth the wait. When the project is all finished, Route 23 should be safer, smoother, and more reliable for everyone who uses it.
