NJDOT reopens Route 45 in South Harrison Township

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today reopened Route 45 in South Harrison Township, Gloucester County. The roadway had been closed as part of an ongoing project to reduce congestion and increase safety at the intersection of Route 45 and Swedesboro/Franklinville Road (County Route 538).

“NJDOT reopened Route 45 before Memorial Day weekend in order to provide shore travelers a safer, faster trip to their summer destinations,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine.

On April 6, NJDOT closed Route 45 from County Route 538 to west of Harrisonville-Mullica Hill Road (County Route 617) in order to install a new traffic signal and widen the roadway. The traffic signal is now operating and the roadway has been widened.

“Traffic volumes have been steadily increasing due to the growth in this region. We are all glad to see this traffic light, it has taken several years, and I know that Deputy Mayor Tyson and many other have lobbied hard for this light to improve public safety the community,” said Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney.

NJDOT’s $819,971 project began in early March and provides a new traffic signal at the intersection of Route 45 and Swedesboro/Franklinville Road. The roadways have also been widened in order to improve the turning movements at all four corners of the intersection. In addition, NJDOT will improve the drainage system at Route 45 and Mullica Hill Road.

“NJDOT's improvements to Routes 45 and 538 will improve safety. I would like to thank NJDOT, State Senator Stephen Sweeney and the Gloucester County Freeholders for providing the first traffic signal in South Harrison,” said South Harrison Deputy Mayor Charles Tyson.

NJDOT will continue construction work on Route 45 through October 2009. NJDOT is currently performing landscaping and other incidental work. Overnight paving will necessitate single-lane closures on Route 45.

NJDOT will utilize variable message signs on Route 45 to inform motorists of changes in traffic patterns during construction. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org.