The Direct Connection project is one of the largest infrastructure improvements ever undertaken in South Jersey.
Construction continues on the Direct Connect project, a nearly $900 million highway reconstruction effort designed to improve safety and traffic flow at one of South Jersey’s busiest interchanges.
Led by New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), the multi-phase project is rebuilding the interchange between Interstate 295, Interstate 76 and Route 42. For decades, drivers traveling on I-295 were forced to navigate “Al-Jo’s Curve,” a notoriously sharp left-hand interchange connecting I-295 southbound to Route 42 and I-76. The curve, named after a popular nightclub that once operated along West Kings Highway in Mt. Ephraim, was known for its confusing traffic pattern and abrupt speed reduction. Motorists were forced to slow from 65 mph to 35 mph in a short distance as they entered the ramp, which contributed to crash rates significantly higher than the state average.
Correcting those long-standing issues has been years in the making with phases of planning, engineering and phased construction throughout Bellmawr, Mount Ephraim, Brooklawn and surrounding communities. The project began in 2013 and is currently in its third major phase. Phase 1, completed in 2016, included improvements along I-295, I-76 and Route 42, replacement of the Creek Road and Bell Road bridges and construction of temporary roadway widening to support future stages of work. Phase 2, completed in 2019, focused on sections of I-295 north of Browning Road and portions of Ramps C and D. Phase 3, which began in 2017, is centered on completing the I-295 direct connection, improvements to Browning Road and Ramp A and includes the relocation of 12 housing units within the Bellmawr Park Mutual Housing Corporation.Completion of Phase 3 is expected in spring 2027. Phase 4, the final phase, will complete work along I-76/Route 42, I-295 northbound and several remaining interchange ramps, with overall project completion estimated by 2032.
The centerpiece of the project is a new flyover that will allow I-295 traffic to pass over the Route 42 and I-76 interchange instead of moving through it. Other project cornerstones include the replacement or rehabilitation of four bridges, retaining walls and drainage systems, major roadway realignments, highway widening, local access road improvements, noise walls and environmental protections near residential neighborhoods.
Construction continues on the new I-295 flyover bridge, a major part of NJDOT’s Direct Connection project designed to improve traffic flow and safety through the interchange.
The project has also presented significant engineering and logistical challenges, including the relocation of 12 housing units, utility relocations, noise mitigation efforts, and extensive ground improvements. One of the most high-profile challenges occurred in 2021 when a major retaining wall structure, known as Wall 22, partially collapsed before the roadway was opened to traffic. The incident prompted a complete redesign of the structure and delayed portions of the overall project timeline. Engineers rebuilt the wall using hundreds of deep steel piles and a heavily reinforced poured-in-place concrete foundation system designed to provide greater long-term stability.
In recent years, construction has continued to advance with the installation of massive steel girders for new elevated I-295 direct connection bridges over Browning Road, Route 42 and I-76. Crews have worked through overnight lane closures and traffic shifts to maintain traffic flow while new flyover ramps and retaining walls take shape above and around active roadways. Beams are also being installed for the second section of the new Browning Road Bridge, spanning Big Timber Creek in Brooklawn.
Crews begin setting beams for the second side of the bridge carrying Route 130 over Big Timber Creek.
The completed interchange is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and safety for commuters, freight traffic and travelers moving between South Jersey, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.
Sources:
New Jersey Department of Transportation. (n.d.). I-295/Route 42/I-76 direct connection project. State of New Jersey. https://dot.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/roads/rt295/index.shtml
South State, Inc. (n.d.). Route 295/42/I-76 direct connection contract 3.https://www.southstateinc.com/project/route-295-42-i-76-direct-connection-contract-3/
Zeff, J. (2025, April 28). 4 years after N.J. highway wall collapsed, it’s close to being rebuilt. NJ.com.https://www.nj.com/news/2025/04/4-years-after-nj-highway-wall-collapsed-its-close-to-being-rebuilt.html
