Freeholder Ian Leonard has been informed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) that the state will close the ramp from I-295 southbound to I-76 eastbound/Route 42 southbound from 10 p.m. tonight through 8 a.m. Saturday morning as the Direct Connection project advances.
The following detour will be in place: Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to continue to I-76 westbound to the Market Street exit to I-295 southbound.
“Residents should be aware that in addition tonight’s closure, 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.”
This work is part of the 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 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.
