I-295 northbound to be shifted this weekend for start of bridge replacement project in Salem County

Two of three lanes will remain once shift in in place

(Trenton) -New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a lane closure and traffic shift on I-295 Bridge over NJ Turnpike, as the start of the I-295 northbound, Route 40 and Salem Canal bridge deck replacement project in Carney’s Point.

Beginning at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. today, Friday, August 3, and again from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., will temporarily close one lane on I-295 northbound to establish a traffic shift. Construction barriers will be moved and the highway restriped to establish a temporary work zone on the left side of the bridge for the first stage in the bridge replacement project. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained during the overnight traffic shift. Once the new traffic pattern is in place, two lanes of traffic will be maintained. The following detour of CR 551 northbound will be required for the duration of the project.

CR 551 northbound to I-295 northbound Detour

• Motorists on CR 551 northbound/North Hook Road will be directed to turn left onto Old Pennsville Auburn Road
• Turn right onto Route 49 westbound/North Broadway
• Make the first right onto I-295 northbound

The $4.67 million federally-funded I-295 northbound bridge over New Jersey Turnpike, Route 40 and Salem Canal replacement project involves the replacement of the concrete bridge deck and additional structural repairs to the rocker bearings and substructure spall.

Replacement of the bridge deck is designed in stages in order to minimize the effect on motorists. The first stage will shift traffic to the west side of the bridge, to demolish and replace the east side of the bridge deck. Once completed, traffic will be shifted onto the newly completed east side of the bridge so the west side bridge deck can be demolished and replaced. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2019.

The $93 million federally-funded project, which started construction in September 2015, will demolish and replace existing structurally deficient bridge decks and reconfigure the I-280 and Route 21 interchange to provide full movements and consolidate entrance points. NJDOT has coordinated with local officials throughout the design and construction process. The project is being accomplished in stages and is expected to be completed in early 2019.

Construction signage will be utilized to direct motorists on all traffic pattern changes associated with this bridge deck replacement work.

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 Ffor NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info or on the NJDOT Facebook page.