NJDOT announces improvements at
interchange of Routes 49 and 55 in Millville

(Trenton) - Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will begin construction on intersection improvements for Routes 49 and 55 as well as the intersection of Route 49 and Wade Boulevard in Millville City, Cumberland County.

On Wednesday, November 18, NJDOT's contractor will restripe Route 55 southbound in the vicinity of the off ramp to Route 49, in preparation for the placement of construction barrier and then restripe the Wade Boulevard and Route 49 intersection the following week.

“The project will be constructed in phases to minimize impacts to businesses and the public. Traffic will be maintained during construction,” said NJDOT Commissioner Stephen Dilts. “Reconstructing this busy interchange will provide safer driving conditions for residents and commuters in Millville City.”

NJDOT will lengthen the ramp from Route 55 southbound to Route 49 and provide additional lanes along Route 55 southbound. The ramp will provide one right-turn lane for Route 49 westbound traffic and one left-turn lane for Route 49 eastbound traffic and the existing traffic signal will be reconstructed.  The existing Route 49 westbound to Route 55 southbound ramp will be eliminated and replaced with a left turn lane from Route 49 westbound to the existing Route 55 southbound entrance ramp.

The project also includes safety improvements to the Route 49 and Wade Boulevard intersection including traffic signal reconstruction and widening along Route 49 to provide longer eastbound and westbound left turn lanes from Route 49 to Wade Boulevard.  A new right-turn lane will be added from Route 49 eastbound to Wade Boulevard.

Also, the existing shoulders along Route 49 will be widened and reconstructed.  All ramps at the interchange will be resurfaced along with new curbing, sidewalk, and lighting and drainage system improvements with two detention basins for water quality and treatment. The $10 million project is scheduled to be completed in fall 2011.

Variable message signs will notify motorists of any upcoming traffic pattern changes at the interchange.  NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org.