The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has announced a public hearing to discuss the proposed construction of grade-separated U-turns at Milepost 43.0 and Milepost 46.1 along the New Jersey Turnpike, located in Westampton Township and Springfield Township, Burlington County. This project is part of a broader initiative to replace existing median cut-throughs with safer alternatives for authorized vehicles.
According to the Authority, "The Project will construct new U-Turn bridges for official use only (e.g., emergency and maintenance vehicles)." The development at Milepost 46.1 involves disturbing 6.3 acres of forested land in Springfield Township, which will be addressed under the No Net Loss Compensatory Reforestation Program.
The Grade-Separated U-Turn Program aims to build seven new U-turns while eliminating 23 current cut-throughs in the median barrier. These structures are designed to enhance safety by allowing authorized vehicles to change directions without crossing traffic lanes directly on the Turnpike Mainline between interchanges.
Currently, two grade-separated U-turns exist between Interchanges 1-5. The new program intends to increase their frequency, aligning with other sections further north on the Turnpike.
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Springfield Township Municipal Building in Jobstown, New Jersey. The event will start with an open house at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Authority representatives at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can provide oral and written comments during this time.
Written comments can also be submitted electronically or mailed until the end of a 60-day public comment period. All feedback received will become part of the public record and reviewed by the Authority before responses are posted online and shared with relevant municipalities and counties.
James D. Carone serves as Executive Director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority overseeing this initiative.
