Paul Carpenter Associates, Inc. - I-295 / Route 42 Missing Moves Environmental Assessment (EA)

Project Description

The I-295/42, Missing Moves, Bellmawr project provides two missing movement connections of the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Interchange. These missing traffic movements connect Route 42 Northbound to I-295 Southbound (Ramp A) and I-295 Northbound to Route 42 Southbound (Ramp B). These proposed movements are necessary to complete the interchange and alleviate the heavily congested local roadway network. In addition to constructing Ramps A and B, the project also includes associated roadway improvements along Route 42 and I-295. The existing ramps connecting Route 42 Northbound with Leaf Avenue will be relocated about 700 feet to the south. These relocated ramps, identified as Ramp C and Ramp D, will intersect Benigno Boulevard at a new signalized intersection. Under the preliminary engineering phase, Paul Carpenter Associates, Inc. (PCA) completed air quality and noise assessments as well as appropriate sections of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA).

Background noise monitoring was performed in three locations throughout the project study area. In addition, traffic data collection and vehicle classification counts were performed. Existing traffic volumes, speeds and roadway geometry as well as baseline measurements were utilized to validate the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM2.5). Noise levels were predicted related to 2014 Existing, 2030 No Build and 2030 Build conditions. One out of the five noise walls investigated for the project was determined to be cost-effective as per NJDOT's Traffic Noise Management Policy and Noise Wall Guidelines.

Due to Camden County’s CO and PM_2.5 maintenance status, operation of one project-affected intersection was reviewed. The relocated Ramp C/D at Benigno Boulevard intersection was predicted to operate at a Level of Service D during future 2030 Build PM peak traffic hour. Utilizing the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Categorical CO Screening Tool, all project-specific parameters fell within acceptable ranges to rely on FHWA’s categorical finding of no CO NAAQS violation. PM_2.5 was qualitatively addressed as per USEPA’s Transportation Conformity Guidance for Quantitative Hot-Spot Analyses in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ Nonattainment and Maintenance Areas.