Atlantic City Expressway Plans $400 Million Widening After October Groundbreaking

A $400 million project to widen the western Atlantic City Expressway is moving forward after an October 14 ceremonial groundbreaking, with plans to add a third lane in each direction along roughly 12.6 miles of the South Jersey toll road.

The South Jersey Transportation Authority project covers the stretch between mileposts 31.6 and 44.2, near the Route 42 connection. It is intended to close the remaining gap in the expressway's three-lane travel lanes in each direction toward Atlantic City.

The work includes roadway widening, bridge and drainage improvements and changes intended to improve traffic flow through the expressway's connection with Route 42. The corridor is a major route for commuters, businesses and travelers heading to the Jersey Shore.

Engineering firm STV described its design and environmental-permitting work in a November 4 update. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place in Sicklerville on October 14, rather than on the date of that update.

Transportation officials say the added capacity is intended to reduce summer congestion, improve safety and support more reliable travel. SJTA Executive Director Stephen Dougherty has said the goal is to keep two lanes open in each direction throughout the project and adjust construction around peak travel periods.

The widening will be carried out in stages, not completed all at once. At the October groundbreaking, Dougherty said construction was expected to begin in 2027 and that the first phase would likely take nearly two years. Drivers should check current travel notices as individual work contracts move ahead.