Route 47 traffic shift required as Route 47 Bridge over I-295 replacement project advances in Gloucester

One lane will remain open in both directions during next stage of construction

(Trenton) -New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a traffic shift on Route 47 in both directions as the Route 47 Bridge over I-295 replacement project between Westville and Deptford in Gloucester County advances to the next construction stage.

Beginning at 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., tomorrow, Saturday, September 7, NJDOT’s contractor, South State., will shift both the northbound and southbound lanes to the newly constructed west side of the Route 47 Bridge over I-295. During the current state of construction, one lane in each direction has been maintained on the east side of the bridge while the west side of the bridge was demolished and reconstructed.

On Saturday morning, the Route 47 southbound lane will be shifted from the east side of the bridge to newly completed west side of the bridge, with the northbound lane remaining on the east side of the bridge during the day. This will allow for a center work zone for restriping and resetting construction barrier.

Later in the day, the northbound lane also will be shifted to the west side of the bridge to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the east side of the bridge. The new traffic configuration with one lane of traffic in each direction on the west side of the bridge will remain in place for approximately six months.
I-295 southbound ramp/Exit 25A to Route 47/Delsea Drive south will remain closed and detoured.

I-295 southbound ramp/Exit 25A onto Route 47 southbound detour:

• Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound will be directed to take Exit 24B/CR 551 (Westville/Woodbury Heights)
• Bear left onto CR 551 South/Woodbury Heights
• Continue on CR 551 South which becomes North Evergreen Avenue
• Turn left onto CR 642/Red Bank Avenue, which becomes Tacoma Avenue to Route 47

The $7.7 million federally-funded project will replace the existing concrete deck, parapets and superstructure, which is in poor condition. It also will bring the vertical clearance of the bridge up from 14 feet 4 inches, to meet current standards of 16 feet 6 inches. The project is expected to be completed in late 2020.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring 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.

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