Heads up, Cherry Hill residents! Route 70 will soon undergo temporary lane shifts as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) progresses with its long-term road construction project.
What to Expect:
The changes will impact traffic patterns between Interstate 295 and Kings Highway starting late June. Here’s the breakdown of what to expect:
June 21-23:
- From the night of Friday, June 21, through the early morning of Sunday, June 23, eastbound lanes of Route 70 between Kings Highway and I-295 that are currently under construction will shift back to their normal lanes.
Week of June 24:
- Barriers will move to the median area to accommodate upcoming lane shifts for westbound traffic. During this week, all traffic will travel in the original lanes.
June 28-30:
- From the night of Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30, westbound traffic between Kings Highway and I-295 will shift to the center island area to facilitate the next phase of road construction.
Impact on Cherry Hill:
This state-funded Route 70 project, which aims to reconstruct nearly 9 miles of the roadway between Route 38 in Pennsauken and Cooper Avenue in Evesham, has significantly impacted travel in Cherry Hill. Residents and business owners have voiced frustration over the frequent road closures and detours on one of the township’s major corridors.
Earlier this year, Mayor Dave Fleisher criticized NJDOT for not adequately communicating project updates to the community, especially regarding upcoming traffic pattern changes. An NJDOT spokesperson assured that the agency provides ample notice through various communication channels.
Following a meeting with NJDOT in February, Mayor Fleisher expressed hope for improved communication.
Timeline:
NJDOT expects the $153 million construction project to last until early 2027, with much of the work affecting the heart of Cherry Hill.
How to Stay Updated:
To keep up with the latest on Route 70 construction, residents can visit the project’s webpage and follow NJDOT on Facebook and X. NJDOT also issues construction notices and traffic advisories shared with local officials in impacted municipalities.
Given that the timing of the work can change due to weather and other factors, drivers are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic-information website — 511nj.org — for real-time updates and travel information.
