The new $180 Million Missing Moves project in Bellmawr NJ is OPEN! I rode through around 5:15am this morning with a car mounted GoPro (older 7 Black). Video drives both directions... and of course my rambling commentary
I live in Blackwood and work in Swedesboro so this helps me tremendously. It's only been two days but so far it appears that this will save me 7 to 8 minutes going to work and 5 to 6 minutes coming home. I've been driving on 42 daily for the past 35 years and I never thought I'd see this day.
Drove missing moves in both directions for the first time today. Before for over a decade, we had to take the 322 to the 55 to get to Deptford Mall from Swedesboro. But today I told my dad as we got right back on 295 south from 42 north via Missing Moves, Deptford Mall now seems like an exit off of 295 instead of 42. That's how much of a game changer Missing Moves is!
This is great! I was presently surprised on my way to Bellmawr Tuesday night and seen 55 was 2 lanes all the way to 55. That 55 merge has been a thorn in all of our sides for decades and then I seen 295 ramp was open! There are A LOT of happy commuters using these roads this week. BTW, Schillens is a great place!! Cheers!
This will take SO MUCH PRESSURE off of Almonesson Road, off of Delsea Drive (Route 47) in Westville going to Deptford! And maybe Cooper Street in Woodbury/Deptford as well. (But now we need the onramp sign on 47 South to 295/76 WWB to include 42 South!)
thank you Greg! its even worse than getting up early.. I first drove by around 1am to check on progress... and then was back up at 5am to get the drive-through video. ha! in another hour I'll be passed out.
Was on 295N heading towards Camden and what a difference with the ramp to 42 now. I saw cars going up the ramp and saw the new signage. Looks like the exit number for 76 is now changed too. Some signs showed the new exit number and others showed the old number. Definitely an improvement.
Very well done! In my professional work as a traffic reporter, I have for ages talked about the mess that area is, and personally have been snagged by the "missing moves" trying to go from 295 NB to 42 SB or similar. I'm sure that the opening of that second lane on the Rt 55 NB ramp to 42 NB will also have an impact on the nearly 24/7 backup on 55 NB between Deptford Center Rd and the 42 merge. Next step is a ramp from 42 NB to Rt 55 SB and 55 NB to 42 NB.... not holding my breath on that being done soon!
As someone who only moved to this area 12 years ago, I find that that whole area is VERY intimidating to drive. This will improve traffic significantly and maybe I won't feel so intimidated. Maybe I'll visit more often. ;)
Mark can you explain how the rest of the project will benefit us in the long run, getting rid of the Al-Joe curve. And if it will be demolished? Ty awesome job
Just think, to come from Quakertown, PA; Allentown, PA; Lansdale, PA; and skip the Schuylkill Expressway via of I-476 South, to I-95 South, to U.S. 322 (Commodore Barry Bridge) East, to U.S. 130 North, to I-295 North and now over to NJ 42 South and reverse NJ 42 North to now I-295 South to U.S. 130 South to U.S. 322 West (Commodore Barry Bridge) to I-95 North to I-476 North to avoid to Schuylkill Expressway. And today the way modern technology works, just input the route into your GPS app.
Semi-related question: Why haven't 42 and the Atlantic City Expressway been re-designated as I-76? If they don't currently meet the requirements to be an interstate, what would need to be done to remedy this?
There are a number of major and minor projects that would have to take place for this to occur, some of which are already in planning / construction. There hasn’t been a formal announcement but I would imagine that is the end goal.
