I-295 Lane Closed As Investigation Continues Into Wall Collapse

BELLMAWR, NJ — The right lane of I-295 north will be closed on Thursday and Friday as the investigation into the collapse of a retaining wall continues, officials announced.

I-295 north will be closed beginning just past the Creek Road overpass before Exit 26 where the highway splits for I-76 toward Philadelphia/I-295 toward Trenton and will continue through the tunnel from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).

Drivers should expect congestion on I-295 north and Route 42 north. During the closure, NJDOT will conduct excavation work on the retaining wall that partially collapsed last month. Read more here: Wall Built As Part of $800M Project Collapses On I-295: Officials

The right lane of I-295 near Essex Avenue in Bellmawr was closed for nearly a month, reopening on April 21. Read more here: Lane Of I-295 Reopens A Month After Wall Collapse: Officials

The removal of the panels from the damaged portion of the wall is complete. Excavation work is continuing to examine the soil below the wall, which is being done in stages and is expected to take a few weeks, officials said. Future lane closures may be necessary as the investigation continues.

The wall was built as part of the $800 million Direct Connection Project. The goal of the project is to provide a seamless route for drivers traveling on I-295 through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42.

“If possible, you should plan an alternate route during peak travel times,” Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works, said. “When the overall project is completed, it will alleviate much of the traffic congestion currently experienced on a daily basis. It will be a monumental change for this highway interchange creating a substantial upgrade to the current configuration.”

Timing of the work depends on weather and other factors.