NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Linda’s Bras and Swimwear has been in business for more than 30 years, with a location along Route 70 in Camden County for about two and a half years.
This is her busiest time of year, but with detours, lane shifts and road closures making it difficult to navigate the area, customers are less inclined to come in.
To get to Linda’s Bras and Swimwear, drivers have to pull off the roadway and onto dirt before slowly pulling into her parking lot.
“It's hard. A lot of people tell me they want to come in, but they don't want to come down Route 70,” said owner Linda Becker.
Crews have been repairing stretches of Route 70 since 2021. It’s part of a $153 million corridor safety and improvement project that will improve gas and water mains, upgrade traffic signals, replace or install Dynamic Message Signs, improve drainage and sidewalks, and resurface nine miles of Route 70 between Route 38 in Cherry Hill and Cooper Avenue in Evesham. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
Construction is taking place simultaneously within six work zones:
- Work Zone 3 – MP 0.00 to 2.31, Route 38 to Haddonfield Road
- Work Zone 1 – MP 2.31 to 3.66, Haddonfield Road to Kings Highway
- Work Zone 2 – MP 3.66 to 5.00, Kings Highway to I-295
- I-295 Work Zone – MP 5.00 to 5.20
- Work Zone 4/Route 70 Milling Work Zone – MP 5.20 to 7.67, I-295 to Cropwell Road
- Work Zone 5 – MP 7.68 to 8.70, Cropwell Road to Cooper Avenue
Currently, there is construction on Route 70 westbound between Haddonfield Road to Kings Highway (Work Zone 1).
Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher says the project continues to be a challenge for neighborhoods and businesses.
“NJDOT needs to do better with communication, signage and advance notice of lane shifts and road closures,” he said. “We have them on ‘speed dial’ and contact them regularly advocating for our residents and small businesses. Our residents deserve better.”
Becker says she realizes things need to be repaired, but feels like “it’s not moving fast enough.”
Joseph Croce, owner of Croce Pasta, says the construction and roadwork have hurt his business a lot.
“Especially at lunchtime because my parking lot is in the back of my building and they closed the road right at Route 70 — people couldn't get into my store.”
He said the side of Route 70 he’s located on has been better since crews moved across the street, but they’re still hurting.
“Not even the [Corona] virus hurt me like it, you know.”
An NJDOT spokesperson said they understand the community’s concerns and have been responsive to any issues brought to their attention and will continue to do so.
“We provide regular updates to town officials, including biweekly progress meetings. We are committed to continued communication with local officials, businesses and residents,” the spokesperson said.
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