AASHTO Journal, 15 March 2013
New Jersey Department of Transportation officials gathered Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $900 million project aimed at providing a “seamless” and safe route for the roughly 250,000 motorists traveling daily through a busy interchange in southern New Jersey.
NJDOT recognized the need for improvements to the interchange of I-295, Route 42, and I-76 (located in Bellmawr) in 1985. In 1999, NJDOT recommended a project that would allow for a grade-separated interchange to reduce the amount of congestion at the interchange, which would also make the roadway safer for all traveling vehicles. The project, now known as the Direct Connection, includes 10 new bridges, a bridge widening, one bridge rehabilitation, and two temporary bridges. NJDOT will also build 22 retaining walls, at least 40 new sign structures, and more than 15,000 feet of new noise walls. Dynamic messaging systems will be placed along nearby portions of the route to manage traffic during and after construction. The signs will alert motorists of congestion and travel times, giving motorists an opportunity to plan or modify their trip.
“After a decade of planning, design, engineering, and community involvement, today’s groundbreaking represents the final phase of a project that will help reduce crashes and improve traffic flow along the busiest stretch of highway in this southern New Jersey region,” said New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in a statement. “The new route will also benefit local residents who are regularly subjected to traffic congestion on their streets when crashes within the interchange prompt motorists to divert to local roads.”
NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson was also on hand to praise the project.
“Under the Christie Administration, investments in our transportation network are guided by a handful of key metrics, including for safety, operational performance, and quality-of-life benefits that this project will produce,” Simpson said.
The project will be completed in four separate contracts to minimize inconvenience to drivers. Additional information on the Direct Connection project is available here.
