It will have twice the air draft clearance underneath, though (70 feet compared to 35 feet under the existing bridge). Few, if any, vessels traveling up the Hackensack will exceed 70' above MHW. The capacity to lift the bridge is probably being required by USCG or USACE because there's record of a 100' ship having traveled in the vicinity in the 1860s.

> So that, instead of waiting for the lights at the ugly old Tonnele Circle...

I appreciate this is the objective, but why couldn't it be implemented with a simple straight bridge up and over? Why are two huge loops necessary?

Robin.

Eh, the DOT plans that were available kind of looked like the designs were traced off a text book example of how to join intersections rather than actually spending 3 minutes thinking about a better solution.

Also the bridge replacement is still going to be a drawbridge. WTF.

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So that, instead of waiting for the lights at the ugly old Tonnele Circle, you can now spend the same amount of time gracefully looping around a huge cloverleaf, taking in the gorgeous western slope view!

the witt penn bridge is being replaced with a new bridge just to the north

So what is the purpose of those two huge loops, why has the new road been built in this, seemingly pointless, way?

Robnin.

I take 78 to Turnpike North to 280 (which is like exit 15 - it's clearly marked as the exit for 280).

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I was kinda assuming he was asking about the weekend pattern. Weekday the old pattern, what fip said, still holds but with the cloverleafs.

On Most weekends Rt 7 bridge is closed so be advised if you are going on the weekends

Thanks for all the responses. I find it wild that is so complicated to get out west of JC, unless you do Turnpike. Such a variety of responses even here. I hope in the end of the construction, it is clearer!

unless something changed since tuesday evening, you can still take 14th st to the underground viaduct of 139. then make the 2nd right after emerging from underground. there have been detours that add a half mile of cloverleaf from this point. but if you follow the signs you eventially get onto 7 and take it to 280 as in the past.

Instead of Newark, take Montgomery to the end (West Side) and make a right. Go down to Sip and make a left. Make a Right onto 1&9 (get into left lane and you will drop right into the on ramp). Stay in the right lane once you get onto the ramp and it will drop you onto 7.

Taking the Newark route to 280, Raymond Ave exit from the skyway to the Rogers ave bridge, seem the best way I've found. Coming back is more exciting, but doable if you have a gps or a great sense of direction.

here is one way:

Take the 1&9 truck route.
After crossing over the first bridge, turn right on Central Ave. in South Kearny.
Follow Central ave. to the end and turn right onto Fish House Road.
Follow Fishhouse to the end. You will be able to merge onto Rt. 7

DO NOT take this route during bad storms unless you own a truck or SUV. Fish house floods something terrible in one spot.

Dear JC List,
I do not drive much and I am so lost with the changes on 1&9 now. Hopefully you can help me the most efficient way of getting to 7 and then 280. I will be driving from downtown, getting on 1&9 on 14th Street. Or should I do something completely different? Google Maps is recommending me to do surface streets to Newark. Not my ideal.
Advice is highly appreciated!