Ramp Closure Friday Night for Direct Connect Project Work

The ramp from I-295 southbound to 42 southbound will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday night until 8 a.m. Saturday morning, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced Friday afternoon.

The road will be closed to allow for the installation of test piles. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

“Residents should be aware that in addition to tonight’s closures, this construction will impact their commute and their communities for several years,” Camden County Freeholder Ian Leonard, 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.”

The following detour will be in effect for those trying to access Route 42 southbound from I-295 southbound:

• Continue on I-295 southbound to I-76 westbound. Take the Market Street Exit and make a left onto Market Street. Take exit to I-76 eastbound, proceed on I-76 to eastbound to Route 42 southbound.

This work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project intended to provide a seamless route for I-295 drivers traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. 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 if you are traveling through the construction areas.”