When will Route 3 in Clifton reopen? Update for Tuesday morning
A tractor trailer exploded and caught fire Monday morning on Route 3 in Clifton, killing the driver, causing lane closures in both directions and forcing nearby residents to evacuate their homes.
Here is everything we know about the crash and the lane closures as of 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday.
When will Route 3 east in Clifton reopen?
All lanes and ramps on Route 3 were reopened as of 10:40 a.m. Tuesday morning according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
UPDATE: Rt 3 eastbound ALL LANES and RAMP from Valley Rd to Rt 3 eastbound REOPENED in Clifton. https://t.co/Ir8MIYyO3Z
— NJDOT (@NewJerseyDOT) July 23, 2024
What is the best detour from Valley Road?
To get to Route 3 east from Valley Road (near Montclair State University), the DOT recommends:
Take the ramp to Route 46 eastbound
Take the ramp to Grove Street/Van Houten Avenue
Turn right onto Grove Street/CR 623
Take the ramp to Route 3 eastbound
What caused the tractor-trailer explosion on Route 3 in Clifton?
The commercial truck was traveling west on Route 3 when it crashed into a barrier and caught fire, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.
While the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, Clifton Fire Chief Daniel Collins and City Manager Dominick Villano said during a press conference Monday morning that a bus rear ended the truck. They did not release any details regarding the type of bus or how many people were on the bus.
Was anybody injured in the explosion on Route 3 in Clifton?
The body of the truck driver, a 55-year-old male from Linden, was discovered after the fire was brought under control, according to the Prosecutor's Office who asks that anybody with additional information about the accident contact them at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.
How bad were the damages on Route 3?
The crash knocked down several sound wall panels and damaged the guardrail and the roadway pavement, according to the NJDOT. The damaged portion of Route 3 east was milled and paved Monday night following the completion of the investigation and cleanup. Repairs to the guardrail and the sound wall continued into Tuesday morning.
Additionally, three nearby homes sustained exterior damages from the heat of the fire, according to the Clifton Fire Department.
Why is my water discolored in Clifton? Is there low water pressure in Clifton?
Residents in the area of routes 3 and 46 in Clifton may experience discolored water or low water pressure due to the truck fire, according to a post from the Passaic Valley Water Commission on Facebook that says, "Anytime a hydrant is used, the sudden rush of water through the pipeline will stir up sediment, which can cause discolored water or low pressure."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: When will Route 3 in Clifton reopen? The latest after crash
