Closures On Routes 76, 295 As Direct Connect Project Continues

Several lanes and ramps will be closed along I-76 east and I-295 north Thursday night as the Direct Connection project advances, officials announced. Closures will continue Friday night along I-295 north.

The work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project. The Direct Connection project has been divided into four construction contracts and is expected to be finished in the fall of 2024.

Crews from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will close and detour the ramp from I-76 east to I-295 south to replace damaged concrete construction barrier on Thursday night, according to officials.

The closure will be in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday night through 5 a.m. Friday morning. The following detour will be in place:

• Drivers traveling on I-76 east to I-295 south will be directed to take Exit 1B (which comes before the closed exit 1A) to Route I-295 north
• Take Exit 28/Route 168 to I-295 south

All lanes on I-295 north are scheduled to be closed and detoured between Exits 26 and 27 to reset construction barrier for daytime work and repair damaged bridge parapets on Friday night.

That closure will be in effect from 10 p.m. Friday night through 5 a.m. Saturday morning. The following detour will be in place:

• Drivers traveling north on I-295 between Exits 26 and 27 will be directed to keep left and take Exit 26 to I-76 west
• Continue on I-76 west and take Exit 2 towards I-676 north
• Continue on I-676 north and take Exit 1 to Collings Avenue
• Turn right onto Collings Avenue
• Turn left onto the ramp towards I-676 south/I -76 east
• Continue on I-76 eastb to Exit 1B towards I-295 north

Timing of the work is dependent on weather and other factors.

“Even overnight, closures and detours can have a significant impact on traffic flow, patterns, and travel times,” Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “Motorists should be aware of the posted detours and plan ahead for how this project may impact their route. As always, be extra cognizant of sudden stops and reduced speeds on the roadway when driving in or around the construction zone.”