Route 55 pavement preservation project begins in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester Counties

Expect overnight lane closures in preparation for milling and paving

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the beginning of a pavement preservation project requiring overnight lane closures on Route 55 in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester Counties.

Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, September 4 until 6 a.m. the next morning, Thursday, September 5, and continuing overnight daily, Monday through Thursday for the next few weeks, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., will close one lane of traffic in preparation for milling and paving.

Tonight, one lane on Route 55 southbound, beginning near Route 40 in Franklin and continuing to CR 555/Sherman Avenue in Millville will be closed for raised pavement marker removal. All lanes will be reopened to traffic each morning by 6 a.m. Work will continue on Friday requiring a shoulder closure only.

Work will continue on Route 55 in both directions covering 23 miles between Franklin, Elk and Clayton in Gloucester County, through Pittsgrove in Salem County, and Vineland and Millville in Cumberland County, for micro milling and paving with slurry seal and an Ultra-Thin Friction Course. Ramp closures and detours will be required as work progresses. Advance public notice will be provided.       

The $17.2 million federally funded Route 55 pavement preservation project will extend the pavement life, improve safety and enhance ride quality for motorists while reducing future maintenance costs.  Project completion is expected by fall 2020.

The precise nature and 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 or on the NJDOT Facebook page.

Please note, the NJDOT Communications Office has a new phone number – 609-963-1975.