Motorists to get first taste of Direct Connection project benefits

Interim ramp and median island will eliminate difficult merge of I-295 and Route 42 traffic

The interim ramp, which will remain in use for several years, will allow traffic to exit Route 42 northbound and directly connect with I-295 northbound. The median will separate Route 42/I-76 traffic from I-295 northbound traffic and eliminate the need for motorists to move across lanes.

In preparation for the opening of the new ramp, one lane of I-295 northbound will be closed near the Creek Road overpass (approximately mile post 25.5) and multiple lanes on Route 42 northbound will be closed just past Route 55 from 9 p.m. Saturday, January 11, through approximately 10 a.m. Sunday, January 12, while NJDOT’s contractor, PKF Mark III, Inc., installs new overhead sign structures, barrier curb, and striping. One travel lane on I-295 will remain open during the construction.

Motorists should expect overnight delays and are advised to stay alert or plan alternate routes. The following detours will be posted:

From I-295 northbound toward I-76 westbound/I-676/Walt Whitman Bridge

• I-295 northbound motorists will be directed to Exit 28, Route 168/North Black Horse Pike, to I-295 southbound to Exit 26, I-76 westbound.

From Route 42 northbound toward I-295 northbound

• Route 42 northbound motorists will be directed to Exit 1C, Market Street to I-76 eastbound to I-295 northbound.

Exit 1B on Rt 42 northbound now will be relocated approximately a half-mile before its present location; motorists will encounter this new ramp just past the Creek Road overpass.

Motorists on I-295 northbound will still be able to access I-76 westbound, either by Exit 26 or via a new Exit 27 left exit ramp, which will be located just beyond the Browning Road Overpass.

A diagram of the new Exit 1B Interim Bypass Ramp and changed traffic patterns is available here.

The $900 million federally funded Direct Connection project will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange – through which approximately 250,000 vehicles travel daily to and from Camden, Philadelphia and other destinations. The project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract in the fall of 2021.

Dynamic message signs will be used to notify motorists of the lane closure and detours. 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.