Ramp Closures on I-295 for Direct Connection Project

The ramp from I-295 northbound to Route 168 westbound will be closed Wednesday night, 10 p.m.-5 a.m., the New Jersey Department of Transportation said Tuesday afternoon.

The ramp was also closed Tuesday night. The closures are part of the same work that necessitated last week’s ramp closures.

To access Route 168 westbound from I-295 northbound, drivers should continue on I-295 northbound to Exit 32 (Berlin Road), turn left onto Berlin Road, take ramp to I-295 southbound, and take exit 28 to Route 168 westbound.

“Construction continues on the Direct Connect project and will require a number of lane changes and closures as we move forward, drivers should be aware and seek alternate routes during these nightly shutdowns,” 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 work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project that is aimed at providing 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 expected 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 if you are traveling through the construction area.”

Variable message signs are being used throughout the project work area to advise drivers of all traffic pattern changes associated with the project.

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