Construction on Direct Connection Project to Result in Lane Closures Saturday Night

An interim ramp and a median set to open this weekend are part of a New Jersey Department of Transportation project designed to make it easier for drivers to navigate a difficult merger in Camden County.

When drivers attempt to merge between routes I-295 and 42 northbound currently, they are sometimes faced with the possibility of crossing over four lanes at once, heightening the possibility of an accident in the area.

The goal of the ramp and the median is to simplify that merger by creating separate roads, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced on Friday.

The interim ramp, which will remain in use for several years, will allow traffic to exit Route 42 north and directly connect with I-295 northbound. The median will separate Route 42/I-76 traffic from I-295 northbound traffic and eliminate the need for motorists to move across lanes.

One lane on I-295 north near the Creek Road overpass and multiple lanes on Route 42 north will be closed between 9 p.m. Saturday night and 9 a.m. Sunday morning in preparation for the opening of the ramp.

NJDOT’s contractor, PKF Mark III, Inc. will install new overhead sign structures, barrier curb, and striping during this time.

One lane on I-295 north will remain open during construction, which was postponed from Jan. 17 due to weather.

Drivers should expect overnight delays and are advised to stay alert or plan alternate routes. The following detours will be posted:

From I-295 northbound toward I-76 westbound/I-676/Walt Whitman Bridge

• I-295 northbound motorists will be directed to Exit 28, Route 168/North Black Horse Pike, to I-295 southbound to Exit 26, I-76 westbound.

From Route 42 northbound toward I-295 northbound

• Route 42 northbound motorists will be directed to Exit 1C, Market Street to I-76 eastbound to I-295 northbound.

Exit 1B on Route 42 north will be relocated about a mile and half before its current location. It will now be located just beyond the Creek Road overpass.

Drivers on Route I-295 north will still be able to access I-76 westbound, either by Exit 26 or via a new Exit 27 left exit ramp, which will be located just beyond the Browning Road Overpass.

The weekend work is part of the Direct Connection Project, a $900 million federally funded project designed to provide a seamless route for I-295 drivers travelling through the interchange. About 250,000 vehicles travel the interchange every day going to Camden, Philadelphia and other areas, according to officials.

The project will take place in four phases, and is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2021.

All projects timelines are subject to change depending on the weather. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.