Route 70 Bridge Over Route 38 Slated for Replacement

A $3.9 million project to replace a structurally deficient bridge that carries westbound Route 70 over Route 38 on the approach to the merge with Route 38 in Pennsauken began April 20, state Department of Transportation (DOT) officials announced.

Beginning with right-lane closures and the installation of temporary bridge supports, the project will move in three stages, replacing one lane at a time until the entire bridge is rebuilt.

During the busiest portions of the day, two lanes will be open on the bridge, DOT officials said, but contractor R.E. Pierson Construction will periodically narrow the highway to one lane at the bridge, both overnight and during midday hours.

There will also be single-lane closures on Route 38 overnight, officials said, but all lanes should be open under the bridge, though lanes may shift during construction.

Dynamic road signs on Routes 38, 70 and 295 will alert drivers to conditions and traffic in the construction zone.

Pedestrian access, including access to an NJ Transit bus stop at the base of the bridge at the Route 38 merge, will be maintained, officials said. Contractors will put up a temporary staircase and walkway along the north side of the bridge as part of that effort, so pedestrians will be able to cross during later stages, officials said.

The entire project involves a complete replacement of the bridge deck, new bridge parapets and guide rails and crosswalks in the area of the bridge.

A complete closure and replacement of the bridge had been under consideration, officials said, before the DOT opted for replacement one lane at a time.

This project is one of several highway improvements in the area, including the Route 130 and I-295 projects.