Direct Connection Project Will Impact Traffic Friday Night

New traffic patterns will be implemented on I-76 eastbound and I-295 northbound as the Direct Connection project advances in Camden County, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced Friday afternoon.

There also will be overnight work on the Bell Road Bridge over I-295 requiring lane closures on I-295 in both directions.

“Whenever you are driving through a construction zone, please stay alert and be prepared for traffic pattern changes,” Freeholder Ian Leonard, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works, said. “Motorists should be observant of traffic instructions on electronic message boards or from those onsite if you are traveling through the construction area.”

I-76 eastbound
At 9 p.m. Thursday, the state closed a single lane on I-76 eastbound with additional lane closures overnight as it reconfigures the roadway. The new traffic pattern on I-76 eastbound just past the Route 130 exit will include a single lane to the left, two center lanes, and a single lane to the right separated by construction barrier on each side. At least one travel lane will be maintained overnight while the new pattern is being put into place. This configuration is expected to be in place for approximately two weeks.

The exit for I-295 northbound will only be accessible from the single right lane. If motorists are in the left or center lanes and wish to take I-295 northbound, a signed detour is in place directing traffic to I-76 eastbound Exit 1A to I-295 southbound to Exit 25A to Route 47 to I-295 northbound.The exit for I-295 southbound will be accessible from the single left lane or the left lane in the center section.All four travel lanes will continue through on I-76 eastbound into Route 42 southbound.

I-295 northbound

At 9 p.m. Friday, August 15, NJDOT is scheduled to close a single lane on I-295 northbound with additional lane closures overnight as it reconfigures the roadway. The new traffic pattern on I-295 northbound beginning near the Delsea Drive exit will eliminate the current single left lane split and shift all three lanes to the left to establish a work zone on the right side of the roadway. At least one travel lane will be maintained overnight while the new pattern is being put into place. This configuration is expected to be in place through next summer.

Bell Road Bridge work over I-295

On Friday, August 15, from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. the state is scheduled to close up to two lanes in each direction on I-295 and completely close the Bell Road Bridge as new beams are set in place. At least one travel lane on I-295 in each direction will be maintained, however, the contractor will be stopping traffic for up to 15 minutes at a time to set the beam.

Bell Road traffic will be detoured overnight while the work is taking place. Motorists will be directed to Browning Road (CR 659) and Black Horse Pike (Route 168).

Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with Direct Connection. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming lane closures or traffic shifts.

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.orgfor real-time travel information.