NJDOT announces extensive traffic

pattern changes in Gloucester County

Route 47 congestion relief project advances

(Trenton)- The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced upcoming local roadway closures as part of a $6.9 million congestion relief project on and around Route 47 in Glassboro, Pitman and Washington in Gloucester County.

On Monday, January 5, NJDOT will close Pitman Downer Road (CR-658) and Chapel Heights Road (CR-639) in Washington Township for roadway and drainage reconstruction and utility relocation work. The roads will remain closed for approximately two months.

The following detour routes will be in effect during the road closures:

• Pitman Downer Road traffic will take Greentree Road south to Route 47.
• Route 47 traffic bound for Pitman Downer Road will take Greentree Road north to Pitman Downer Road.
• Chapel Heights Road westbound traffic will turn northbound onto Greentree Road to Hurfville Cross Keys Road to Hurfville Road and proceed to Route 47.
• Route 47 traffic bound for Chapel Heights Road will take Hurfville Road to Hurfville-Cross Keys Road onto Greentree Road back to Chapel Heights Road.

This project includes safety and congestion improvements. NJDOT will replace the Route 47 Bridge over Mantua Creek with a wider structure in order to accommodate a six-foot sidewalk on both sides of the structure.

NJDOT will improve the intersections of Route 47 and Chapel Heights Avenue and Route 47 and Holly Avenue. Route 47 will be widened to accommodate a 12-foot through lane, a 10-foot shoulder, and a dedicated left-turn lane in each direction between milepost 64.9 and milepost 65.3. NJDOT will install a four-foot concrete median in order to separate traffic lanes on Route 47, which will remain open to traffic during construction.

The intersection improvements will include new traffic signals at Route 47 and Holly Avenue and Route 47 and Chapel Heights Avenue, along with the installation of new auxiliary left-turn lanes at Holly Avenue and Chapel Heights Avenue. Work will also include pavement rehabilitation, and the installation of a new storm water detention system. The project began construction in August and is scheduled for completion in May 2010.

Variable message signs will inform motorists of traffic pattern changes during construction. Real time traffic information and construction updates are available at www.511nj.org.