Rt. 42 ramp to I-295 to be diverted onto new roadway on Saturday night
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will implement a new traffic pattern this weekend that will shift the Route 42 northbound ramp to I-295 northbound into a newly constructed covered roadway.
“Residents should be aware that in addition to this weekend’s traffic pattern change, the ongoing construction will continue to impact their commute for the duration of the project,” said Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, 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.”
Beginning at 10 p.m., Saturday, February 2, NJDOT is scheduled to close lanes on the Route 42 northbound ramp to I-295 northbound just past Browning Road to allow for restriping and barrier installation to set up the traffic shift. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times. The new configuration will be completed by 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3.
The new traffic pattern will reduce the Route 42 northbound ramp to I-295 northbound from three lanes to two lanes just past the Browning Road overpass and shift traffic into to a newly constructed covered roadway.
In a few weeks, traffic using the I-76 eastbound ramp to I-295 northbound also will be shifted to the covered roadway. This traffic pattern will remain in place for several years as the mainline I-295 Direct Connection roadway is constructed. When the project is completed, a new Route 42 northbound ramp to I-295 will be opened, and only the traffic coming from I-76 eastbound will utilize the covered roadway.
Traffic signals have been installed prior to the covered roadway as a safety measure, and are not intended to indicate whether a lane is open or not. The signals will display a steady GREEN, unless there is an incident in the covered roadway, at which time the display would be changed to RED to stop traffic and allow emergency responders to clear the incident.
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 construction contracts, with completion expected in the fall of 2024. NJDOT’s project website provides construction activity schedules and updates.
Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of 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.
To report concerns on Camden County roadways, call (856) 566–2980 or visit www.camdencounty.com.
