The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced on April 13 that overnight lane and shoulder closures will take place this week on Scotch Road in Ewing, Mercer County, as part of a $5.9 million pavement preservation project along I-295.
These closures are expected to affect both directions of Scotch Road between Lockheed Road and Capital Way, including the bridge over I-295. The right shoulder will be closed each night from Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16 from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, the right lane will also be closed while at least one lane remains open in both directions to maintain traffic flow.
Additionally, starting at 8 p.m. Friday, April 17 until 7 a.m. Saturday, April 18, the I-295 northbound Exit 73A ramp to Scotch Road northbound and the Scotch Road northbound ramp to I-295 southbound will be closed for milling and paving work. Detours have been outlined for affected motorists: those heading for Exit 73A should use Exit 73B/Scotch Road southbound instead; those aiming for the southbound ramp should continue north on Scotch Road before making a U-turn at American Boulevard.
This construction is part of a larger initiative to mill and pave approximately three-and-a-quarter miles of I-295 between Lower Ferry Road (County Route 643) and Route 29 in both directions. The ramps at Scotch Road and Bear Tavern Road are also included in this effort.
The improvements involve applying High Performance Thin Overlay (HPTO), which uses recycled asphalt materials added atop existing pavement to enhance ride quality, skid resistance, noise reduction, and extend road lifespan.
Variable message signs will alert drivers about changes in traffic patterns due to ongoing work. Timing may shift depending on weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s website www.511nj.org or follow its social media channels for updates.
