Right Lane Closure on Route 15 Northbound for Priority Rockfall Mitigation

For Immediate Release:

April 9, 2025

Contact: Jim Barry / Steve Schapiro

609-963-1975

Route 15 northbound right lane closure Thursday for priority rockfall mitigation work in Sparta, Sussex County

Temporary traffic stoppages in both directions necessary during the day

(Trenton) – The right lane on Route 15 northbound near Blue Herron Road in Sparta is scheduled to be closed on Thursday as a rockfall mitigation project advances in Morris and Sussex counties. In addition, there will be temporary 15-minute traffic stoppages in both directions.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, April 10, the right lane on Route 15 northbound near Blue Heron Road in Sparta is scheduled to be closed. At least one lane will remain open. In addition, there will be temporary 15-minute traffic stoppages in both directions during that time. New Jersey State Police will be assisting with the temporary traffic stoppages. The closures are necessary for priority boulder removal for a rockfall mitigation project.

The work is part of a $9.8 million federally funded rockfall mitigation project, Contract A to enhance the safety of motorists on Route 15 in Jefferson, Morris County and Sparta, Sussex County by stabilizing the rock slope in several locations. The rock slope includes loose boulders and overhanging sections that create a potential for falling material that could impact travel. The project will remove loose rocks and install protection and rock catchment ditches to mitigate the risks at each location and to increase safety to the traveling public. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

The precise timing of work is subject to change due to weather and other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.