I-295 and I-76 overnight ramp and lane closures needed as part of the Direct Connection project

Detour necessary for drainage work

(Trenton) -New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a series of ramp and lane closures that will take place overnight for the next two weeks on I-295, I-76 and Route 42 as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. 

I-295 northbound ramp
Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Thursday, October 4 until 5 a.m. tomorrow, and again weeknights from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. for approximately two weeks, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., will close the I-295 northbound Exit 26 ramp to I-76/I-676 Camden/Philadelphia westbound. Motorists will be directed to stay right toward I-295 north to I-76/Trenton and use Exit 27, to I-76 westbound.  The closures will allow for the installation of a drainage pipe, the removal of the permanent center road barrier, which will be replaced with a temporary construction barrier, and the sewer pipe removal under Browning Road. The following overnight detours will be in place:

I-295 northbound to Route 76 westbound detour:

• Motorists traveling on I-295 northbound will be directed to stay right toward I-295 north to I-76/Trenton
• Stay left and take Exit 27 toward I-295 north to I-76/Trenton to I-76 westbound.

I-76 eastbound lane closures

Route 42 northbound lane closure
Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, Thursday, October 4 until 5 a.m. tomorrow, and again weeknights from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. for approximately two weeks, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., will close the left lane of Route 42 northbound just before the NJ Turnpike overpass to Exit 1B/I-295 north. Three lanes will be maintained.
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.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the 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 construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info or on the NJDOT Facebook page.