 Construction progressed slowly , starting in 1960 near Orange . There were many obstacles that had to be overcome when constructing I @-@ 280 . The first was whether to build the highway on an elevated or depressed alignment through urbanized areas of East Orange and Newark . Following opposition to the elevated option , it was decided to build I @-@ 280 on a depressed alignment through the area . In addition , there was an issue of building the road across First Watchung Mountain in West Orange . A tunnel had initially been considered , although the expense of such a project caused this alternative to be rejected . Instead , a rock cut along a longer route was built through the mountain . Much of the material that was excavated from this section of I @-@ 280 and east was removed via a temporary rail line that was built in the center of the right @-@ of @-@ way west to I @-@ 80 . 
