Drivers in Jefferson Township should be prepared for upcoming roadwork along Berkshire Valley Road, where a major resurfacing project is scheduled to get underway later this month. Morris County officials confirmed that milling and paving operations are expected to begin the week of September 22 or September 29, depending on the pace of drainage improvements now in progress.
The project, overseen by the Morris County Division of Engineering and Transportation, covers the stretch of Berkshire Valley Road (County Road 699) from Manor Drive north to the bridge that links Jefferson Township with West Milford. The goal is to extend the life of the roadway and enhance overall travel conditions for commuters, residents, and local businesses.
Crews began preliminary work this week with drainage upgrades and inlet reconstruction along the corridor. That phase is anticipated to last roughly three weeks. During this period, traffic control will be managed daily by the Jefferson Township Police Department to ensure both motorist and worker safety.
Once the underground improvements are wrapped up, construction will shift to roadway milling and paving. Work will first focus on shoulders and intersections before crews move to the mainline lanes of Berkshire Valley Road. Officials expect four to five police officers to be on-site each day to direct traffic, maintaining order in what is traditionally a busy commuter route.
Importantly, the project does not call for full road closures. However, drivers should expect alternating lane closures, traffic shifts, and some delays during active work hours, which are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Construction signage has been placed at all approaches to alert motorists, and Jefferson Township Police will issue a RAVE notification to keep residents informed.
The county emphasized that these improvements are part of a long-term initiative to keep road surfaces in better condition, improve stormwater drainage, and provide a safer driving experience. Projects like this reflect ongoing efforts to invest in critical infrastructure across Morris County, similar to other technology and infrastructure updates happening throughout New Jersey (https://explorenewjersey.org/category/technology-tech/).
The contractor for the project is J.A. Alexander, Inc. of Bloomfield, a firm with a strong track record of handling roadway and infrastructure improvements across the state.
Residents with questions or concerns about the project are encouraged to contact the Morris County Division of Engineering and Transportation at 973-285-6750.
