NJDOT announces Route 73 traffic shift as part of Berlin Circle replacement
NJDOT will eliminate circle and replace with a signalized intersection
(Trenton)- Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will close a portion of the Berlin Circle from Friday, September 15 until Sunday, September 17 in order to shift Route 73 to its new alignment as part of the $73 million Berlin Circle replacement project in Camden County.
“Replacing the outdated Berlin Circle with a new signalized intersection will improve motorist safety and visibility and provide much-needed congestion relief,” said Commissioner Kolluri.
Beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 15, Route 73 will be shifted to its new alignment. Berlin Crosskeys Road and Walker Road will follow their respective detours to access Route 73. On Sunday, September 17, access to Route 73 from Berlin Crosskeys Road and Walker Road will be restored at the new signalized intersection. There will be no change to Route 30.
The Berlin Circle replacement began in August 2005 and extends for more than two miles of Route 73. NJDOT is eliminating the existing traffic circle and replacing it with a signalized intersection. New ramps and side roads will be constructed to maintain all existing traffic movements. The entire project consists of roadway widening, reconstruction, drainage improvements and safety improvements for Route 73, Route 30, Berlin Cross Keys Road and Walker Avenue.
Median openings along Route 73 will be consolidated to four signalized intersections located at Jackson Road, Taunton Avenue, Edgewood Avenue and the Berlin Circle, and new ramps at each signalized intersection will provide access to Route 73 in both directions.
A new connector road, Zulker Avenue Extension, was recently constructed from Route 73 southbound to Walker Avenue and is aligned with the relocated Zulker Avenue. A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Walker Avenue and Zulker Avenue.
New curbs, sidewalks, bicycle-compatible lanes and landscaping treatments will be provided throughout the entire project. Drainage improvements will be constructed including six new basins, new box culverts, pipes and inlets to provide increased storm water storage capacity and to improve water quality. A wetlands mitigation site will be constructed along Walker and Zulker Avenues.
NJDOT encourages motorists to drive carefully to protect themselves and workers in the construction zone. There are four portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) to alert motorists of pending construction activities. Two signs are dedicated to Route 73, one is dedicated to Route 30 and one is used on an as-needed basis.
The NJDOT will continually update traffic information on this project on its website, NJCommuter.com (Real Time Traffic Information). Motorists are encouraged to check this site often for updates.
The NJDOT is working closely with local emergency responders including police and fire personnel to ensure traffic flow as well as emergency response.
