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NJDOT on Direct Connection “Reconstruction of the wall is expected to begin this fall”

NJDOT on Direct Connection “Reconstruction of the wall is expected to begin this fall”
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In an NJDOT traffic advisory issued last night for an overnight lane closure this upcoming Monday, they included a short snippet of commentary on the reconstruction of the Direct Connection wall and roadway (which collapsed in March of 2021)

… is necessary to reposition construction barrier to close the right shoulder so it can be widened as reconstruction begins on the retaining wall. Work will initially consist of lighting and drainage improvements, as well as pavement construction. Reconstruction of the wall is expected to begin this fall

NJDOT Traffic advisory August 10, 2022

42Freeway has reached out to NJDOT for additional details on the Direct Connection Wall reconstruction plans. When we hear something back of course we will share details with readers!

Traffic Advisory Details are further down

Direct Connection – Bellmawr Background

The Direct Connection project is a $900+ Million Dollar project centered in Bellmawr New Jersey which intends to streamline roadway travel in this high traffic and confusing roadway area where Routes 295, 76 and 42 converge.

On March 25, 2021 a core portion of the (unopened) 295 segment through Bellmawr collapsed with no traffic on it.

In June of this year (2022) the NJDOT released their findings on the cause of the collapse. 42Freeway wrote a detailed overview of the findings as well as a video presentation on YouTube.

Direct Connection Bellmawr NJ Collapse
Direct Connection Bellmawr NJ Collapse

Traffic Advisory: I-295 northbound right lane to be closed Monday night to reposition construction barrier.

These NJDOT advisories over temporary lane closures are a regular occurrence but honestly I don’t cover most of them. This one caught my attention more so because of the comments on the wall collapse!

But since I have your attention. the core of the advisory is to inform drivers that on Monday night Aug 15th there will be an overnight right lane closure on Route 295 northbound just pass the Creek Road overpass.

Well here is the actually NJDOT wording:


I-295 northbound right lane to be closed Monday night
to reposition construction barrier in Bellmawr

Long-term shoulder closure necessary to create a work zone

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the right lane on I-295 northbound is scheduled to be closed Monday night to reposition construction barrier for retaining wall reconstruction as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County.

The right lane on I-295 northbound will be closed from 9 p.m. Monday, August 15 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 16. The closure will begin just past the Creek Road overpass before Exit 26 where the highway splits for I-76 toward Philadelphia and I-295 toward Trenton, and will continue through the tunnel. Route 42 northbound traffic will be unaffected. The closure is necessary to reposition construction barrier to close the right shoulder so it can be widened as reconstruction begins on the retaining wall. Work will initially consist of lighting and drainage improvements, as well as pavement construction. Reconstruction of the wall is expected to begin this fall.

295 Northbound in Bellmawr will have a right-lane closure overnight, Monday Aug 15

The 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. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.

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.

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. For NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT and our Facebook page.