NJDOT begins construction of new pedestrian bridge over Route 38 in Cherry Hill
(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced the start of construction on a new pedestrian bridge over Route 38 in the vicinity of the Cherry Hill Mall and Hillview Shopping Center at milepost 3 in Cherry Hill, Camden County.
The $2.7 million project will replace the out of service pedestrian bridge over Route 38 with a new structure featuring a higher vertical clearance. The pedestrian bridge will provide safe access to and from the Cherry Hill mall and surrounding shopping areas on both sides of Route 38. The new bridge will include approach ramps and stairs on the Hillview Shopping Center side of the project and an elevator and stairwell on the Cherry Hill Mall side of the project. The project will also include the construction of two retaining walls, new sidewalks, new landscaping, new lighting and drainage. Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-November, 2007.
“This project reflects Governor Corzine’s commitment to improving pedestrian safety throughout New Jersey,” noted Kolluri. “The construction of this new pedestrian bridge will enhance the safety of the Route 38 corridor by addressing the need for safe pedestrian access to the local shopping centers, thereby allowing residents to keep their cars off of the road.”
Two travel lanes will be open to traffic on Route 38 in each direction during construction. Starting March 12, the exit from the Cherry Hill Mall onto Route 38 westbound and the adjoining acceleration lane at milepost 2.97 will be closed. Also, the Route 38 eastbound shoulder will also be closed east of the AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 theatre. The Cherry Hill Mall exit onto Route 38 eastbound will remain open for the duration of the project.
In early summer, NJDOT will require a six-hour overnight detour in order to install the bridge’s main beams. NJDOT will provide advance notification of the traffic change. Access to all properties within the project limits will be maintained throughout the project.
Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully to protect themselves and workers in the construction zone. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.njcommuter.com
