Officials Celebrate Opening of New Bridge

County and municipal officials opened the new bridge at Route 42's Exit 7B with a brief ceremony Tuesday morning.

Exit 7B is the first full interchange added to the state highway since it was constructed in the 1950s, according to Camden County Freeholder Ian Leonard.

"This project improves the quality of life for the thousands who attend classes and work at Camden County College by providing direct access to the campus, and by doing so it also improves the quality of life for area residents,” said Leonard, who is the freeholder board's liaison to the county Department of Public Works.

Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer pointed to the bridge as an engine for economic growth.

"Because this project will foster economic development in Gloucester Township, this bridge leads to success for the community,” Mayer said.

The bridge, named after recently retired Camden County engineer Robert E. Kelly, will allow Route 42 traffic to access upcoming development along the state highway in what is referred to as the Interchange Redevelopment Area, located nearby Camden County College. It can accommodate between 3,000 and 5,000 cars per day, according to officials.

The $5.8 million project was a partnership between the state Department of Transportation and Camden County. The state provided the funding for the project, and the county provided the construction management.