Background/Analysis/Issues

NJDOT has requested that DVRPC amend the FFY 2026 TIP for New Jersey by advancing the Construction (CON) Phase of the Route 295/42/I-76, Direct Connection, Contract 4 project (DB #355E) to FFY26 and increasing the CON Phase by $29.846 M from $371.154 M to $401 M. The FFY26 CON Phase will increase by $22.732 M NHFP-HWY from $0 NHFP-HWY to $22.732 M NHFP-HWY, the FFY27 CON Phase will increase by $37.466 M NHFP-HWY from $0 NHFP-HWY to $37.466 M NHFP-HWY, and the FFY32 CON Phase will decrease by $30.352 M NHPP from $64.461 M NHPP to $34.109 M NHPP.

The reason for advancing the CON Phase is so the project will be able to start construction when Direct Connection Contract 3 (DB #355D) is complete. The main price increases that contributed to the construction cost increase are:

• Asphalt: 10%
• Fuel: 36%
• Steel: 25%
• Concrete for Ramp C: 43%  

Tariff volatility and domestic mark-ups, and trades labor supply and demand are also factors for the price increase.

The Route 295/42/I-76, Direct Connection, Camden County project will relieve the existing bottleneck at the interchange by constructing a direct connection on I-295 and other highway improvements that will reduce congestion and enhance traffic operations and safety throughout the project area. The improvements include a six-lane mainline through the interchange, elimination of dangerous merging and weaving movements, upgrades to ramp geometry, and the addition of shoulders throughout the interchange. Contract 4 includes the reconstruction of I-76 and Route 42 along the entire project limits, the completion of new Ramps C & F, and the completion of the new I-295 Northbound direct connection. Contract 4 is a breakout of “Route 295/42/I-76, Direct Connection, Camden County.”

Financial Constraint

Financial constraint will be maintained by making adjustments to other existing TIP projects whose schedules or costs have changed. The attached fiscal constraint charts provided by NJDOT show all of the adjustments taking place in accordance with the TIP Memorandum of Understanding. All projects listed contribute to fiscal constraint.

Conformity Finding

The TIP's current conformity finding will not be impacted by this amendment since this project was included in the regional air quality conformity analysis.

Cost and Source of Funds

$29. 846M ($60.198 M NHFP-HWY increase, $30.352 M NHPP decrease)

The DVRPC Board approve TIP Action NJ26-033, NJDOT’s request that DVRPC amend the FFY 2026 TIP for New Jersey by advancing the CON Phase of the Route 295/42/I-76, Direct Connection, Contract 4 project (DB #355E) to FFY26 and increasing the CON Phase by $29.846 M from $371.154 M to $401 M. The FFY26 CON Phase will increase by $22.732 M NHFP-HWY from $0 NHFP-HWY to $22.732 M NHFP-HWY, the FFY27 CON Phase will increase by $37.466 M NHFP-HWY from $0 NHFP-HWY to $37.466 M NHFP-HWY, and the FFY32 CON Phase will decrease by $30.352 M NHPP from $64.461 M NHPP to $34.109 M NHPP.