I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to be closed and detoured overnight as part of the Direct Connection project

Detour in place for milling and paving

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced an overnight closure of I-295 southbound where it splits at Exit 26/I-76 westbound for milling and paving work as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. This work was originally scheduled for last week, and was postponed because of weather.

Beginning at 10 p.m., tonight, Friday, January 11, until 6 a.m. the next day, Saturday, January 12, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., will close I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, for milling and paving. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The following detour will be in place overnight:

I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound detour:

• Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
• Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
• Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Road
• Turn right onto Collings Road
• Turn left onto I-676 southbound which becomes I-76 eastbound
• Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound

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 real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.