The New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced that the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, known as Al-Jo’s Curve, will be closed overnight next week in Bellmawr, Camden County. The closure is necessary for ongoing drainage work and construction of a retaining wall as part of the Direct Connection project.
The closure will begin at 10 p.m. on Monday, March 2, and continue each night through Thursday, March 5, reopening at 5 a.m. each morning. During these hours, the right lane on I-295 southbound will also be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26.
A detour route has been established for drivers affected by the closure:
• Motorists wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound from I-295 southbound should exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound.
• They should then take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound.
• From there, take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue.
• Turn right onto Collings Avenue and then left onto I-676 southbound (which becomes I-76 eastbound).
• Finally, take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound.
According to the department: “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 used in advance of the closures to notify drivers about changes in traffic patterns. The schedule may change depending on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Drivers are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website at www.511nj.org for real-time travel updates and follow NJDOT on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, Facebook, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT for additional news.
