September 2020–Direct Connect

Some interesting work on the Direct Connect project this week. They have started to build more of the overpass supports by the cemetery.

Here is a view of the work from Browning Road.

September 2020–Missing Moves

Quick update today. Part of the Creek Road bridge structure has been removed and the end of middle support cut off. This is to make room for the new bridge which will be built next to the current one.

Missing Moves–Lead Ave Exit

As part of the Missing Moves project the exit connecting 42 to Leaf Ave will be re-configured. Here is a rough sketch of what it will look like. The exit will move a short distance south along Benigno Ave. Benigno will also be shifted to line up with Edgewood Ave. The current exit will be removed along with a small section of Benigno.

Here is a picture from the RTV Systems simulation of the project showing the new configuration.

In this picture from a few month ago you can see the layout of the new exit.

In this picture you can see the re-alignment of Benigno Ave.

September 2020–Missing Moves

Here is a look at the current work going on at the bridge over Big Timber Creek

The support for the ramp going to 295 South. I believe they will be building retaining walls on either side of this structure to form the end of the ramp.

A bed of gravel has been put down where the end of the ramp will be.

Here is the same area looking down from Creek Road.

Demolition has started on the Creek Road overpass. Part of it will need to be removed before they can start building the new overpass which will be slightly further north then the current one.

A look at the overpass supports being built near Coolidge Ave.

Construction between 42 and Benigno Ave. There will eventually be more supports of the ramps here.

Missing Moves August 2020

Here is a look at the work going on at the Big Timber Creek bridge.

The support for the ramp along 295 South

Work along 295 North.  This will be to accommodate the widened highway.

August 2020–Missing Moves

Here is the current progress on the bridge of Big Timber Creek. You can see that they have started to demolish part of the bridge deck and supports. The project requires the widening of the bridge and the plans mention bridge deck rehabilitation, so I am not sure if till be entirely replaced or not.

This structure is being built along 295 South just above Creek Road. This is where the overpass will end and transition into a ramp down to 295 South.

A barrier has been installed on the Creek Road overpass over 295. That side of the overpass will be demolished to make room for the new overpass.

Update Construction Schedule

NJDOT has recently updated the construction schedule. Completion is not target for 2027, 6 years later then originally planned. One half of the ramp is planned to open about a year before the other.