If you drive through Bellmawr, you've watched one of South Jersey's most complicated highway projects slowly rise into the sky.
The roughly $1 billion Direct Connection project is rebuilding the interchange where I-295, Route 42 and I-76 meet. Its purpose is to allow I-295 traffic to move more directly through the interchange instead of following the existing series of curves and merges.
And this month, the progress is becoming much easier to see.
The Route 42 northbound to I-295 northbound flyover now has its concrete deck poured. Major steel girders are also being installed for I-295 southbound over Browning Road.
Two of the new elevated routes, Route 42 northbound to I-295 northbound and the new I-295 southbound roadway, are expected to begin carrying traffic in spring 2027, although work on the overall project will continue.
Why does a Realtor care about a highway interchange?
Because commuting influences real estate decisions.
When buyers compare Cherry Hill, Haddon Heights, Bellmawr, Deptford, Washington Township or communities farther into Gloucester County, they're not simply comparing houses.
They're asking:
How long will it take to get to Philadelphia?
How quickly can I reach I-295?
What is my commute going to feel like every morning?
A beautifully renovated house can lose its appeal quickly if the commute doesn't work for the buyer.
The opposite can also happen. Improvements that make transportation easier can expand the geographic area some buyers are willing to consider.
I wouldn't tell a homeowner that a highway project automatically increases property values. Real estate is much more complicated than that.
But accessibility absolutely influences buyer behavior.
That is why this project matters beyond Bellmawr.
After years of construction, we're getting closer to seeing how one of South Jersey's most important highway connections will actually function.
And I suspect plenty of commuters are ready to find out.
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