NJDOT to replace Route 168 bridge deck
over I-295 in Camden County

NJDOT’s contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction, is scheduled to start preliminary construction activity this week including construction layout and sign installation. Initial work will be focused on setting up temporary shielding underneath the structure in advance of demolition, as well as minor paving and temporary traffic signal installation.

Construction operations to rehabilitate the southbound side of the bridge are scheduled to begin in mid-July. At that time, the southbound side of the bridge will be closed with two-way traffic shifted onto the northbound travel lanes to accommodate the work. Route 168 will be reduced from two travel lanes to one travel lane in each direction over the bridge, which will be maintained at all times. The first stage of construction is anticipated to last around 4 months, at which time traffic will be shifted onto the newly rehabilitated southbound bridge and work will begin on the northbound side.

NJDOT will utilize temporary traffic signals on each side of the bridge to help with traffic management for motorists accessing Route 168 from the I-295 off-ramps during construction. Interstate 295 underneath the bridge will experience periodic traffic impacts during construction including overnight double and single-lane, shoulder and ramp closures.

The $2.3 million project will replace the existing, structurally deficient bridge deck and superstructure, including sidewalks and parapets, carrying Route 168 across all lanes of I-295. NJDOT will also resurface the bridge deck approaches and replace guide rail throughout the project limits. A new overhead sign structure will be constructed over I-295 southbound.

The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2013.

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