U.S. highway officials OK $900 million N.J. project

Federal officials gave final environmental approval yesterday for the long-awaited reconstruction of the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42 near Bellmawr.

The "record of decision" by Federal Highway Administration officials allows right-of-way acquisition and construction planning to begin.

Construction on the so-called Direct Connection project is expected to begin in 2012.

The $900 million project will rebuild the interchange to separate drivers on I-295 from local traffic. It will include new roadway and bridges and will complete a missing link on I-295 to allow drivers to continue straight through on the interstate.

- Paul Nussbaum