NJDOT suspends construction
for Holiday Weekend - South Jersey

“We are committed to doing everything we can to help motorists get to their destinations safely and with minimal disruption,” Commissioner Fox said. “Beginning at Noon, Friday, May 24, all construction work that affects travel lanes on our highways will be suspended through Noon, Tuesday, May 28. Lane closures will be permitted for emergency reasons only.”

NJDOT will also be operating Emergency Service Patrols (ESP) to assist motorists with disabled vehicles. On I-195, I-295, I-76/676, Route 42 and Route 55, ESP will operate Friday evening, May 24, Saturday, May 25, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday, May 26, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. In addition, NJDOT’s Traffic Operations Centers in South Jersey will be staffed over the Holiday weekend.

Last summer, the NJDOT kicked off its “Reach the Beach” effort to improve traffic flow and safety on routes 47 and 55 during the summer months. Commissioner Fox today announced that this effort would begin for the second year, after a successful first year.

“On weekends throughout the spring and summer, traffic is congested on the Route 55 and 47 traffic corridors,” Commissioner Fox said. “Our Reach the Beach effort will again be able to assist motorists by informing them of delays and advising them of other routes to take.”

The project utilizes smart highway technology to monitor traffic conditions and inform motorists of delays and other routes to travel. It consists of:

• A permanent Variable Message Sign located on Route 55 southbound just prior to the exit for Route 40 in Franklin Township, Gloucester County.
• One portable ground-mounted Variable Message Sign on Route 55 southbound just prior to the exit for Route 49 in Millville City, Cumberland County.
• Five closed-circuit television cameras located along routes 55, 47 and 347 that are linked to NJDOT Traffic Operations Center in Cherry Hill.

The $250,000 project began in the fall of 2000 and was completed last spring.