New Ramp Connecting 2 South Jersey Highways To Be Put In Place Friday Night: NJDOT

The state will open a new ramp from Route 42 north to I-295 north in Bellmawr tonight as the Direct Connection project advances, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced on Friday.

NJDOT will begin closing lanes on I-295 north at milepost 27 to allow for restriping and barrier installation at the I-295/Route 42/I-76 interchange.

At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times during the shift.

Traffic going from Route 42 north to I-295 north will be diverted to a new, temporary, ramp at mile post 27.3 just south of the original ramp.

Also, as part of the new traffic pattern, the merge from I-76 east to I-295 north will be made from the left lane.

The new configuration will be completed by 10 a.m. on Saturday, and will be in place through the spring of 2017.

“Residents should be aware that in addition to tonight’s traffic pattern changes, this construction will impact their commute and their communities for several years,” Camden County Freeholder Shin Angulo, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works, said. “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.”

Electronic message signs will be used to notify motorists of the detours.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Drivers are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

“Whenever you are driving through a road construction zone, please stay alert and be prepared for traffic pattern changes,” Shin Angulo said. “Motorists should be observant of traffic instructions on electronic message boards if you are traveling through the construction area."