A busy stretch of I-80 in Morris County will see long-term lane closures starting today, as a major bridge replacement project reduces travel lanes through Mount Arlington, creating the potential for traffic delays.

Beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until 9 a.m. Nov. 9, the left lanes on both the eastbound and westbound sides of I-80 will be closed from mile post 29.8 to mile post 32.3, according to the NJ Department of Transportation.

"The long term left lane closures are necessary to cure concrete, which connects the newly constructed bridge decks over Howard Boulevard," the NJDOT said.

The lane closures are part of a $65.4 million federally funded project to replace the aging I-80 bridges that carry traffic over Howard Boulevard. State officials said the existing structures are in "poor condition" and require replacement.

In addition to new bridges, the project includes raising vertical clearances of the bridges, widening shoulders along the roadway, extending acceleration and deceleration lanes on I-80, and widening ramps to and from Howard Boulevard. The NJDOT said the Howard Boulevard intersection will also be reconfigured to improve traffic flow.

Other planned improvements include upgraded traffic signals and lighting, along with ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks. Sidewalks will also be extended to the Mount Arlington Train Station to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. The NJDOT expects the project to be completed by summer of 2027.

Officials are urging drivers to slow down, use caution and expect delays when traveling through the work zone as construction continues.