Route 168 traffic shift planned over I-295
in Camden County
Bridge deck reconstruction to enter second stage this weekend

On Saturday night, December 1, NJDOT’s contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction, is scheduled to shift two-way traffic onto the newly reconstructed southbound half of the bridge and set up the new construction zone on the northbound half of the Route 168 bridge.

Route 168 has been reduced from four travel lanes over the bridge to two travel lanes - one lane in each direction - since August, to accommodate a safe and efficient construction zone. The lane reduction also allows for the work to be done faster than conventionally staged construction. Route 168 will remain reduced to one travel lane in each direction over the bridge, with each travel lane maintained at all times.

NJDOT has installed 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. Variable message signs are being utilized to notify motorists of upcoming traffic pattern changes.

The $2.3 million project, which began preliminary construction activity in mid-June, is replacing 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.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. NJDOT provides emergency roadway information, construction schedule updates and real time traffic information and images at www.511nj.org