Lane Closures, Shifting Construction Zones Thursday on Route 42 in Bellmawr, NJ

Commuters on Route 42 in Camden County should be aware of new lane closures and shifting work zones beginning Thursday night.

If you've drive Route 42 lately, particularly the northbound lanes where crews continue to work to eliminate the Al-Jo curve and build a new onramp to 295-S, you know it's been a slow-moving, headache of a commute. And more changes are about to take place.

If you've been on your way to a concert or Phillies game recently, you've noticed an extra backup in traffic at the top of 42 and on 76-W before the bridges on those nights because of lane closures. It's been a pain though I try to be patient because I know in the end the master plan will make for a better, more convenient ride through that area.

But the New Jersey Department of Transportation wants to make you aware that Thursday night beginning at 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Friday, June 30, the two left lanes on Route 42 northbound will be closed just before the Route 55 merges in the Deptford and Bellmawr area. At least one lane of traffic will stay open overnight tonight, however, the NJDOT recommends finding an alternate route or to leave yourself lots of extra time to get through the area if you must pass through it.

A statement from the NJDOT explains, 'The lane closures are necessary to implement a traffic shift.'

By 6 a.m., Friday, a center-lanes construction zone will be in place on northbound Route 42. Yes, in the middle of the freeway. One lane of traffic will go to the left of the work zone, two others to the right of it.  

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This new traffic pattern through Deptford, Bellmawr, and on to the Walt Whitman and Ben Franklin bridges will take some getting used to, so please give the workers out there a break by being extra mindful of their presence and take it slow in the construction areas.

Follow the NJDOT on social media to keep up with their frequent updates about the roadwork on Route 42 and 295.