Drivers beware! Portions of Route 440 in Hudson County will be closed in both directions starting Friday for construction.
Officials say this was due to a partial sewer collapse more than 15 feet underground near Route 440 and Danforth Avenue in Jersey City. A 100-year-old pipe needs to be replaced before things get worse. Officials say this means the road will have to be closed for emergency construction.
Southbound Route 440 will be closed from Danforth Avenue to Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. Northbound Route 440 will be closed from Danforth Avenue to the entrance to the New Jersey Turnpike.
Officials say they know closing this section of the road would create a traffic nightmare for drivers.
“We are asking everyone to stay in extra time. Especially during rush hour, you will probably be stuck in traffic for a while,” said Junior Ferrante, coordinator of the Bayonne emergency department. increase. “Don’t get frustrated. We’ll do the best we can to allow for the extra time.”
Vinnie’s Pizzeria is one of dozens of businesses in areas affected by road closures. But people who work there say the business will survive.
“Vinnie’s is open no matter what. During Hurricane Sandy they were open and feeding the community. During the pandemic we are still open and feeding everyone ,” says John Garges.
A partial collapse was discovered during a routine inspection.
Crews have previously had to obtain materials for repairs and set up closures and diversions.
The northbound closure will last seven days and could result in significant delays and backups not only on Route 440, but also on the Turnpike Extension. Southbound closures are expected to last for another week.
However, the closure is also weather dependent.
Both city leaders have said they will provide updates to the public through social media, local government websites and Nixle Alerts.