Improvement project announced
at New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 2 in Woolwich
New turning lanes and traffic signal will improve Turnpike access from Route 322

“This is a cost-effective solution that will reduce congestion on Route 322 in Woolwich and provide safer and more fluid traffic flow to and from the NJ Turnpike,” Commissioner James Simpson said.

The contractor, South State Inc., has begun surveying, mobilizing equipment and installing construction signs around the project location this week.

Route 322 currently carries one lane of traffic in each direction through the intersection. All lanes on Route 322 will be maintained between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. during construction, with traffic shifts in place utilizing the existing highway shoulders. During overnight hours, single-lane closures may be implemented on each roadway, with traffic shifts and alternating traffic patterns.

The $3.5 million project, which is being paid for with Turnpike Authority funds, aims to improve safety and reduce congestion by widening the intersection, adding dedicated turn lanes and installing a new traffic signal. Currently, the intersection operates beyond capacity and experiences heavy congestion during peak period hours. The improvement project grew out of concern expressed by Woolwich Township Police officials about safety and operational problems at the intersection.

Route 322 eastbound will be widened to feature a new dedicated right-turn lane to the Turnpike toll plaza, a new dedicated left-turn lane to a new gas station access road and a through travel lane. Route 322 westbound will be widened to feature a new dedicated left-turn-lane to the Turnpike toll plaza and a through travel lane. The Turnpike access road will be widened to feature two lanes in each direction between Route 322 and the toll plaza.

A traffic signal will be installed to accommodate the new dedicated turn movements at the intersection. Drainage improvements will be made at the intersection and an existing informal gravel commuter parking area will be replaced by a paved, illuminated commuter lot with 22 parking spaces. The informal parking area was located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection. The new lot will be located on the other side of Route 322, on a property adjacent to the existing gas station in the northeast quadrant of the intersection. The project will also modify access to and from the gas station.

Approximately 7,500 vehicles use this interchange every day. The Turnpike Authority held a public hearing to take comments on the proposed improvements at the Woolwich Municipal Building in August 2011.

The project is scheduled to be completed by November 2012.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.