New traffic patterns on I-76 eastbound
and I-295 northbound to begin this week

Bell Road Bridge work to require overnight closures

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced new traffic patterns on I-76 eastbound and I-295 northbound that will be implemented this week as the Direct Connection project advances in Camden and Gloucester counties. There also will be overnight work on the Bell Road Bridge over I-295 requiring lane closures on I-295 in both directions.

I-76 eastbound
At 9 p.m. Thursday, August 14, NJDOT’s contractor, PKF Mark III, is scheduled to close a single lane on I-76 eastbound with additional lane closures overnight as it reconfigures the roadway. The new traffic pattern on I-76 eastbound just past the Route 130 exit will include a single lane to the left, two center lanes, and a single lane to the right separated by construction barrier on each side. At least one travel lane will be maintained overnight while the new pattern is being put into place. This configuration is expected to be in place for approximately two weeks.

• The exit for I-295 northbound will only be accessible from the single right lane. If motorists are in the left or center lanes and wish to take I-295 northbound, a signed detour is in place directing traffic to I-76 eastbound Exit 1A to I-295 southbound to Exit 25A to Route 47 to I-295 northbound.

• The exit for I-295 southbound will be accessible from the single left lane or the left lane in the center section.

• All four travel lanes will continue through on I-76 eastbound into Route 42 southbound.

I-295 northbound
At 9 p.m. Friday, August 15, NJDOT’s contractor, PKF Mark III, is scheduled to close a single lane on I-295 northbound with additional lane closures overnight as it reconfigures the roadway. The new traffic pattern on I-295 northbound beginning near the Delsea Drive exit will eliminate the current single left lane split and shift all three lanes to the left to establish a work zone on the right side of the roadway. At least one travel lane will be maintained overnight while the new pattern is being put into place. This configuration is expected to be in place through next summer.

Bell Road Bridge work over I-295
On both Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15, from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. the next morning NJDOT’s contractor, PKF Mark III, is scheduled to close up to two lanes in each direction on I-295 and completely close the Bell Road Bridge as new beams are set in place. At least one travel lane on I-295 in each direction will be maintained, however, the contractor will be stopping traffic for up to 15 minutes at a time to set the beam.

Bell Road traffic will be detoured overnight while the work is taking place. Motorists will be directed to Browning Road (CR 659) and Black Horse Pike (Route 168).

Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with Direct Connection. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming lane closures or traffic shifts.

This work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. The I-76 reconstruction in the Market Street area is part of the $160 million Contract 1, which includes work along I-295 south of Essex Avenue, and the replacement of the Creek Road and Bell Road bridges. Work under this first contract is expected to be completed in the fall of 2015.

The Direct Connection project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract in the fall of 2021. NJDOT's project website provides construction activity schedules and updates.

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