A yearlong road project will challenge motorists on a key highway through three Camden County towns, officials said.
The $10.5-million upgrade will "completely transform" approximately 2.5 miles of Kings Highway in Mount Ephraim, Audubon and Haddon Heights, according to a statement from Camden County. At least one lane of traffic is to be open in each direction during the three-phase project.
Progress reports, traffic control plans, and other resources are to be shared on a website for residents and other motorists.
Road crews are planning to upgrade Kings Highway from Market Street in Mount Ephraim to Hopkins Road on the Haddon Heights border with Haddonfield.
The work is to cross two of the county's busiest roads — Black Horse and White Horse pikes.
"This project is a huge undertaking, but it is completely necessary as this has been an area of concern for some time,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works.
Dyer spoke Monday at a press conference on the highway, which was closed for the event, outside a strip of shops on the highway's 900 block in Haddon Heights.
Filippo Sparaccio left his restaurant, Brooklyn Pizza, to express a measured optimism for the project.
"It's going to have hiccups, these things always do. But it will be worth it in the end," said Sparacio, who ended his remarks by inviting his listeners to have a slice inside his shop.
The project is to begin with a complete reconstruction of what's currently a concrete highway between Hillside and West Atlantic avenues in Haddon Heights.
Workers have already cleared trees along curbs in that area. This should allow for the highway to be widened and create a parking lane for Brooklyn Pizza and its neighbors.
Workers later plan to resurface the two segments of the project area on either side of the reconstructed road.
Contractor South State Inc. expects to complete the project by autumn 2025.
The county-funded project includes improvements to existing storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems,
This aspect pleased local mayors at the press conference, who noted municipal funds now will be free for projects elsewhere — such as road paving in Haddon Heights and sewer improvements along West Merchant Street in Audubon.
The improvements also will brighten the image of the local towns, said Mount Ephraim Mayor Sue Carney.
"(Kings Highway) is the face of our community. It leaves an impression as to who we are," she said.
Haddon Heights Mayor Zack Hauck predicted a similar benefit.
"This project will help continue to usher in economic development and growth for our community," he said.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: [email protected].