A new traffic pattern is now in affect on the Route 72 bridge. It's part of a bridge deck replacement project over Route 9 in Stafford Township.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) said beginning Wednesday night, Route 72 westbound was fully closed by NJDOT contractor, Lucas Construction Group. As a result, all traffic has been shifted to a recently rebuilt eastbound structure - via a temporary crossover road.

In a written statement, the NJDOT anticipates this traffic pattern remaining in place for approximately four months while the westbound deck is replaced, at which time Route 72 traffic will be restored to the original configuration with two lanes in each direction.

The agency said the $3.5 million, federally-funded project is needed to replace the existing structurally-deficient bridge decks that carry Route 72 over Route 9. Initial construction activity began in July.

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