Route 295 lane closed as earth gives way on ramps

The earth holding up some of the concrete ramps and roadways gave way at the NJDOT I295/I76/Route 42 Direction Connection project in Bellmawr on Thursday, March 25.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) notified Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer that the right lane on I-295 northbound is closed at Essex Avenue for emergency retaining wall stabilization in Bellmawr.

“Motorists should expect heavy congestion on I-295 northbound and Route 42 northbound. If possible, you should plan an alternate route during peak travel times,” said Dyer, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works.

“When the overall project is completed, it will alleviate much of the traffic congestion currently experienced on a daily basis. It will be a monumental change for this highway interchange creating a substantial upgrade to the current configuration.”

The right lane on I-295 northbound where it crosses over Essex Avenue was closed after the retaining wall crumbled.

The closure is necessary to stabilize a retaining wall that has shifted and partially collapsed. The wall was built as part of the new roadway on the Direct Connection project.

NJDOT is developing a plan to stabilize the wall and will continue to monitor the situation, Dyer said.

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. The 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.

The precise timing of the work to fix the retaining wall is subject to change due to weather or other factors, according to a statement from NJDOT. “The lane closure will remain in place until further notice.”