Project Watch 2015
Some changes can’t come soon enough. Those who have tried the suicide dash during rush hour— start in the left lane of Route 46 westbound, careen across the merge point with Route 3 into the far right lane to get onto the exit for Notch Road — will fist pump a “hurrah” for the changes proposed to Clifton’s notorious noodle bowl of accidents and traffic jams. Throughout North Jersey, evening commuters tuning into traffic reports have all heard the familiar “Route 3 in Clifton backed up for two miles at the Route 46 merge.” Citing “chronic bottlenecks” at the merge locations, the NJ DOT will begin a two-part, $200 million construction project this Spring. The first phase is scheduled to be completed by late Summer 2017. The second phase should begin in 2018 and be completed in 2021. Clifton, along with Little Falls and Woodland Park, will see long rows of construction cones as plans include modifications to Routes 3 and 46, as well as to Notch, Rifle Camp and Valley roads. The new designs call for adding shoulders and access lanes, a redesign of the Valley Rd. jughandle and increasing the number of lanes on Route 3 westbound from two to three. Eastbound Route 46 drivers will no longer veer off to the left. Instead, cars will be directed to exit to the right, up a new overpass that will rise above Route 3. DOT plans include updated and improved signage. That all sounds good. Let the construction begin.
Break the Bottleneck.
Ken Gensinger, Jr. (left) of Gensinger Motors and John Fette of Fette Auto believe that the new configuration on Routes 3 and 46 will provide better access to their car dealerships and ultimately be good business for residents and businesses alike.
Clifton Merchant • January 2015
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