New Jersey's I-78/I-287 Interchange

[akotchi]

Looking for some history of this interchange . . .

The interchange has a "ghost" ramp, a loop from I-78 EB to I-287 NB in the southeast quadrant of the interchange.  This ramp is a redundant move for a multi-lane ramp that exits I-78 as part of a common ramp and enters I-287 from the left side.

I seem to recall that a construction project to rehabilitate one of the interchange bridges (on or over the "main" ramp) required this ramp to be put into service long-term to serve the movement.

This "ghost" ramp has been in place, almost exclusively unused, at least since 1990.  Does anyone have any background on this -- circumstances behind ramp construction, when, what is it used for now, etc?  Any input is greatly appreciated.

http://www.google.com/maps?q=bridgewater+nj&hl=en&ll=40.641507,-74.644547&spn=0.011609,0.019205&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.223579,78.662109&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=16

[NE2]

I don't have any information, but here's an aerial before it was built: http://www.historicaerials.com/aerials.php?scale=8.20197429930843E-06&lat=40.6421517830262&lon=-74.6444428844269&year=1979

[Alps]

I thought we determined it was in fact out there just as a temporary loop ramp for rehab, then shut down again... not sure why it wasn't torn up again, but could have been the days before that became policy.

[1995hoo]

Ramps like that are sometimes useful places for transportation departments to store things. Looking at the satellite image, it appears that one might be used for that sort of purpose.

[akotchi]

I thought we determined it was in fact out there just as a temporary loop ramp for rehab, then shut down again... not sure why it wasn't torn up again, but could have been the days before that became policy.

My original statement regarding use as a temporary ramp was part-conjecture, part cloudy recollection of a conversation long ago.  I am looking for someone to confirm this, provide specifics and/or fill in the gaps.  Whatever happened predates my knowledge of the area.

[NJRoadfan]

It could possibly see use again as NJDOT wants to move that flyover to the other side of I-287 to eliminate weaving for traffic wishing to exit at US-202/206 just north of there.

[roadman65]

It was used in the late 80's as a temporary ramp while the bridges in that particular interchange were being refurbished.  When the bridges on the EB to NB ramp (over the NB to WB Ramp and I-287 SB Lanes) were being worked on, EB to NB traffic used this ramp.  When completed the ramp was shut down, but never removed.  Later when light poles were added to this interchange, for some reason the contractor erected poles along this unused and abandoned ramp.  Do not know why, unless NJDOT plans to use this ramp again someday.

[empirestate]

What's strange is that normally, on seeing a configuration like that, you'd assume that the loop ramp was there first, and was later replaced with the current flyover. I'm surprised to see that it was the other way around!