The New Jersey Department of Transportation shut three of the four northbound lanes on Route 42 near its merge with Interstate 295 in Camden County early Thursday, producing traffic backups that lasted until at least 7 a.m.
The lane closures resulted from overnight construction work on Route 42. With only one northbound lane remaining open, vehicles traveling toward I‑295 encountered significant slowdowns as the morning rush hour began. The reduced capacity forced drivers onto the remaining lane, leading to queues that extended back from the merge point.
Route 42 serves as a primary commuter artery that feeds traffic into I‑295, a key bypass around the Philadelphia metropolitan area. When lane capacity is limited during peak periods, the corridor commonly experiences congestion, and Thursday’s closures added to that pattern. Motorists heading north were advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes, although the department’s notice focused on the construction activity itself.
The closures remained in effect through the morning, with the department indicating that work would continue past 7 a.m. to complete the construction tasks. No additional lanes were reported closed, and the southbound direction of Route 42 remained fully operational.
Commuters in Camden County and surrounding areas rely on Route 42 for daily travel to employment centers and regional destinations. The temporary reduction in lane availability underscores the importance of the roadway in moving traffic onto I‑295 and beyond. While the construction aims to improve the corridor in the long term, the immediate impact was a noticeable slowdown for drivers heading north during the early‑morning period.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has not released a revised timeline for the completion of the work, but the agency confirmed that the lane closures would stay in place until the construction objectives are met.