Following years of work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to modernize the Route 23/80/46 interchange, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) commended the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for completing improvements on one of New Jersey’s most traveled interchanges.  The ramp from I-80 West to 23 South, which was opened today, marks the completion of a project that will dramatically improve road safety and ease congestion on one of the New Jersey’s most traveled interchanges.

“I am pleased that the vision I pursued years ago with the Department of Transportation for this modified interchange has finally become a reality,” stated Pascrell, who prioritized the project while serving as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  “After millions in federal investment and years of construction, the people of Wayne and thousands who travel through the Route 23/80/46 interchange every day finally have a safer more efficient path to work, school and commercial hubs.”  

“NJDOT’s reconstruction of one of the state’s most intricate and vital interchanges will greatly improve the safety and quality of life of the commuters and local residents who travel on routes 23, 46 and 80 every day,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

NJDOT has reconstructed nine bridges throughout the interchange as part of the project. Construction of the I-80 westbound ramp to Route 23 southbound began in January and was originally scheduled to be complete in November 2008. NJDOT finished the ramp two months early.

The $70 million Route 46/23/80 project will improve Route 46 from the Passaic River to Galesi Drive in Wayne. The project included the replacement of nine bridge decks, roadway realignment and resurfacing, ramp modification and the addition of signs, lighting, guide rails and acceleration and deceleration lanes. The Route 46/23/80 project is part of NJDOT’s $195.4 million initiative to improve safety on Route 46 from Clifton to Fairfield. 

Staring in 1998, Pascrell secured $8.5 million to complete the flyover from I-80 West to Route 23 North.  The construction of the flyover was a the critical first step in alleviating the "Spaghetti Bowl" traffic nightmare at the junctions of Routes 23, 46 and 80.  Ten years following his work on the Rte 23 North flyover, Pascrell highlighted the benefits that will come with the project’s final completion.  

“The convergence of these three highways was never designed to handle the volume of traffic that has choked the interchange during peak hours.  With the work we have completed to replace bridges, modify ramps, resurface roads and add signage, commuters will spend less time in their cars and more time at home.  In addition to the improved quality of life conditions for those who use the highways, we have created safer roads that promise to reduce the number of auto accidents.  The completion of this project is a long awaited, but major victory for Wayne and the people of Passaic County,” concluded Pascrell.

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