Construction work on the Route 70 median on Tuesday in Cherry Hill near Ponzio's Diner.
Each day, an average of 50,000 motorists drives on Route 70 in Cherry Hill and, in recent weeks, many have dodged orange barriers, merged when lanes were closed and slowed as construction crews dug out the median.
"When will this all end?" they may ask. The answer: In about five years, with the massive project expected to be completed early in 2027.
The state Department of Transportation journeyed to Cherry Hill on Tuesday to hold a press briefing on the $151-million project — joined by a bevy of local, state and county politicians — but few details were shared about what to expect, other than that an upgraded Route 70 will be good for residents and businesses.
Specific questions from the media were not fielded during the briefing and, when 70and73.com shared a list of questions with the DOT spokesman after the conference, it was told the questions were too detailed for the DOT executive, Acting Assistant Commissioner Parth Oza, who conducted the briefing, but that answers would be researched.
The rebuild of what used to be called the Marlton Pike goes from Route 38 in Pennsauken in the west to Cooper Avenue, Evesham, in the East, a total of 8.8 miles of road. It is the first major project on the road in six years.
Visit the NJDOT Route 70 page for project details.
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"I am so much looking forward to the project's final outcome," Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said at the briefing — likely echoing the thoughts of many Route 70 commuters each day.
Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo, flanked by local politicians and officials, speaks at Tuesday's press briefing on Route 70.
Some answers to 70and73.com questions and other detail from the website:
- The size of the medians on Route 70 will not be reduced and they "will be restored to their original configuration," NJDOT Press Manager Steve Schapiro stated in an email late Tuesday afternoon.
- The roadway configuration will not change by adding more traffic signals or turning lanes, Schapiro stated. All 28 signals, however, will be upgraded with state-of-the-art technology. "This system will interconnect all traffic signals to collect real-time traffic data and adapt traffic signalization to improve flow and reduce stops and backups," according to the state's website.
- Utility work includes replacing 15,200 feet of PSE&G cast iron gas main with 18,000 feet of 24” steel gas main, replacing 14,500 linear feet of New Jersey American Water mains and relocating about 120 utility poles, according to the website.
- Intersections will be improved to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes 350 curb ramps. Improvements to intersections also will address drainage issues and pedestrian safety, according to the website.
- New sidewalks will "fill in missing gaps" to provide connectivity along the corridor.
- None of the road will be widened, Schapiro stated.
- Two new "Dynamic Message Signs" will be added, and two existing ones will be replaced to alert motorists to issues.
- The asphalt surface of much of the nearly nine miles will be replaced using the milling and overlaying process. However, concrete pavement on three miles of the road will be excavated, removed and replaced by asphalt.
- Guide rails will be upgraded.
- Corrugated metal pipes for culverts at McClellan Avenue, Cropwell Brook and Conestoga Drive will be replaced with concrete pipes.
- LED lighting will replace existing streetlights and some lighting will be added at signalized intersections.
