Freeholder Ian Leonard has been informed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) that in preparation for new traffic patterns being implemented on I-295 northbound this week, motorists should expect lane closures tonight into tomorrow morning.
Beginning at 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, NJDOT will begin closing lanes on I-295 northbound to allow for a barrier installation at mile marker 25, just south of Creek Road to set up a new construction zone. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times during the shift.
The new traffic pattern will include a single lane “cattle chute” within construction barriers for approximately one half mile of the left lane, which will feed directly onto Route 76 westbound. The two right lanes will be shifted to the right and continue on to I-295 northbound. Dynamic message boards will inform motorists on I-295 northbound that they should be in the left lane to exit onto Route 76. The new configuration will be completed by 6 a.m. Thursday, July 23 and in place through the spring of 2016.
“Residents should be aware that in addition to tonight’s closures, this construction will impact their commute and their communities for several years,” said Freeholder Ian Leonard, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works. “When this project is completed, it will alleviate much of the traffic congestion currently experienced on a daily basis. It will be a monumental change for this highway interchange creating a substantial upgrade to the current configuration.”
The work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. The Direct Connection project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract expected in the fall of 2021. NJDOT’s project website provides construction activity schedules and updates.
“Whenever you are driving through a road construction zone, please stay alert and be prepared for traffic pattern changes,” Leonard said. “Motorists should be observant of traffic instructions on electronic message boards or from law enforcement personal if you are traveling through the construction area.”
Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with Direct Connection.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website, www.511nj.org, for real-time travel information and plan their trips accordingly.
