New traffic patterns on
I-295 southbound to begin this week

Expect lane closures Friday evening into Saturday morning

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the implementation of new traffic patterns this week on I-295 southbound as the Direct Connection project advances in Camden and Gloucester counties. 

Beginning at 10 p.m., tonight, Friday, July 8, NJDOT contractor, Conti Enterprises, Inc., will begin closing lanes on I-295 southbound to allow for restriping and barrier installation at mile post 28, just south of Route 168 to set up a new construction zone. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times during the shift. 

The new traffic pattern will relocate Exit 26 (I-76 to I-676 Camden and Philadelphia) approximately one quarter mile to the north to just south of the Bell Road overpass.

• The exit for I-295 southbound/Route 42 southbound will be accessible from the center lane and right lane. 
  
  
• The exit for I-76 westbound to I-676 Camden and Philadelphia will be accessible from the center lane and left lane.

The new configuration will be completed by 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9 and in place through the spring of 2017.

The work is part of the $900 million 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 Direct Connection project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract expected in the fall of 2024. NJDOT's project website provides construction activity schedules and updates.

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. 

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 and plan their trips accordingly.