| Q. |
Why is this work necessary? |
| A: |
Presently the I-295, I-76 and Route 42 interchange does not provide a distinct and separate direct connection for I-295 through
traffic. The existing configuration of the interchange requires motorists to reduce speed in both the northbound and southbound directions
of I-295 so that they can safely negotiate ramps with 35 mph speed limits.
Exacerbating the problem is the fact that drivers traveling through the interchange on I-295 must also contend with vehicles entering from
Route 42 and from I-76, necessitating dangerous weaving movements.
As a major carrier of Philadelphia commuter traffic via the Walt Whitman Bridge and a connection to the southern New Jersey shore via Route
42 and the Atlantic City Expressway, this interchange is the busiest in the region.
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| Q. |
What is the schedule? |
| A: |
The following schedule is planned at this time. Both funding and the alternative selection will influence the construction schedule.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Review of Technical Environmental Study (TES) |
2006 |
Identify Preferred Alternative |
Fall 2006 |
Pre-Draft Environmental Impact Statement(Pre-DEIS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Conceptual Permit |
Winter 2007 |
Agency Review |
Spring 2007 |
Circulation of DEIS |
Fall 2007 |
Public Hearing |
Winter 2008 |
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Fall 2008 |
Design |
2009 - 2012 |
Construction |
2012 - 2016 +/- |
Actual project status is shown on Project Milestones (pdf 327k).
The file listed above is in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file, which is available at our state Adobe Access page.
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| Q. |
How can I participate in the development of this project?
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| A: |
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) encourages community members to voice their concerns and contribute suggestions to the Project Team. To provide input attend one of the many project meetings, or:
Contact:
Patricia Feliciano
New Jersey Department of Transportation
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 530-2110
fix.295@dot.state.nj.us
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| Q. |
When will construction begin and when will it be completed? |
| A: |
Construction is expected to start in 2012 and should be completed by 2016 +/-pending right of way availabilty and funding. |
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| Q. |
How much will it cost and who will pay for it? |
| A: |
Depending upon the alternative chosen, the estimated cost of this project is $600 to $800 million. |
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| Q. |
Will I-295, I-76 or Route 42 be closed during construction? |
| A: |
No. A detailed traffic control plan will be developed to maintain traffic and minimize diversion to local roadways. |
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| Q. |
How will motorists be notified when work on certain parts of the I-295, I-76 and Route 42 affect their daily commute? |
| A: |
NJDOT will use variable message signs, radio, traffic reports and its web site to alert motorists. |
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| Q. |
What could delay this project? |
| A: |
Permits or right of way availability or funding may cause delays. |
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| Q. |
What are the environmental elements? |
| A: |
Environmental issues that will influence the design include wetlands, noise and air quality, possible hazardous materials in adjacent land or water, archaeology, historic buildings or structures and socioeconomic considerations. |
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| Q. |
Will there be increased noise or pollution to the area during construction? |
| A: |
The contract documents will require the construction contractor to conform to all federal and state laws and regulations. This includes environmental regulations. Further mitigation measures may be required for construction equipment, because of nearby residences; during the Final Design phase Contract Documents will be developed which will include these mitigation measures. |
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| Q. |
Will they be working at night? |
| A: |
Construction hours will be specified to minimize disruption to the traveling public. However, some night work that conforms to local ordinances may be required to minimize disruption to daily traffic and optimize the construction schedule. There will be additional community input at this stage. |
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| Q. |
How will local air quality be affected by the proposed improvements? |
| A: |
Since the focus of I-295, I-76 and Route 42 improvements is on safety and improved access, traffic flow will be improved. Because traffic flow will improve and the occurrences of vehicles idling in congested traffic will be reduced, the overall effect should be a decrease in air pollution. |
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| Q. |
Are noise walls or other sound barriers part of the plan? |
| A: |
Noise studies have been conducted and preliminary noise wall locations have been identified. |
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| Q. |
Will any businesses or residences need to be acquired or relocated in order to complete the proposed improvements? |
| A: |
Thirteen residences and one business will potentially be impacted. Additionally, one business will potentially be impacted under three of the alternatives. Meetings have been held with potentially impacted residents, businesses and public organizations. |
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| Q. |
How is emergency access being addressed throughout the I-295, I-76 and Route 42 project area? |
| A: |
The safety and security of highway users is a paramount goal of NJDOT. This project is based on the need to improve safety conditions. Emergency access will be enhanced throughout much of the project corridor. |
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| Q. |
Will there be a web cam? |
| A: |
The NJDOT provides live coverage at this intersection on its web site with cameras at Route 76 and Route 42. |
