The US state of New Jersey has started the Route 3 Passaic River bridge replacement project to improve safety and reduce congestion in the surrounding area.

The $149m, federally funded project will replace the existing bridge with a new fixed-span bridge, connecting Clifton City in Passaic County with Rutherford Borough and Lyndhurst Township in Bergen County.

The new bridge is expected to reduce congestion for motorists, giving access to the Lincoln Tunnel, the Garden State Parkway, Route 17, Route 46 and Route 21.

The project includes the construction of 15 new acceleration and deceleration lanes, shoulder upgrades and the installation of noise barriers along Route 3 in Rutherford, Lyndhurst and Clifton.

Three lanes of Route 3 will be open for traffic in both directions during daytime and peak-period hours with no detours.