Editing Atlantic City Expressway

{{Short description|Highway in New Jersey}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox road
|state=NJ
|type=ACE
|map={{maplink-road|stroke-color=#008000}}
|map_custom=yes
|map_notes=Atlantic City Expressway highlighted in green
|length_mi=44.19
|length_ref=
<ref name="sld">{{cite web |date=June 2020 |publisher= [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]] |url= https://njsld.org/NJDOT/SLD/SheetViewer/00000446__/0/1 |title= Atlantic City Expressway (East to West) |work= NJDOT Web Straight Line Diagrams |access-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref>
|direction_a=West
|direction_b=East
|terminus_a={{jct|state=NJ|NJ|42|CR|705|county2=Gloucester}} in [[Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Washington Township]]
|junction=
*{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|73}} in [[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Winslow Township]]
*{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|54}} in [[Hammonton, New Jersey|Hammonton]]
*{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|50}} in [[Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey|Hamilton Township]]
*{{jct|state=NJ|GSP}} in [[Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey|Egg Harbor Township]]
*{{jct|state=NJ|US|9}} in [[Pleasantville, New Jersey|Pleasantville]]
*{{jct|state=NJ|US|40|US|322}} in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]]
|terminus_b= Fairmount Avenue&nbsp;/ Baltic Avenue / Columbus Boulevard in Atlantic City
|counties=[[Gloucester County, New Jersey|Gloucester]], [[Camden County, New Jersey|Camden]], [[Atlantic County, New Jersey|Atlantic]]
|established=1964
|allocation={{Jct|state=NJ|NJ|446|nolink=yes|noshield1=yes}} (unsigned) entire length
|previous_type=NJ
|previous_route=445
|browse_route=446
|next_type=NJ
|next_route=446X
}}

The '''Atlantic City Expressway''', officially numbered, but [[Unsigned highway|unsigned]], as '''Route&nbsp;446''' and abbreviated '''A.C. Expressway''', '''ACE''', or '''ACX''', and known locally as '''the Expressway''', is a {{convert|44.1|mi|km|2|adj=on}} [[Controlled-access highway|controlled-access]] [[toll road]] in the U.S. state of [[New Jersey]], managed and operated by the [[South Jersey Transportation Authority]]. It runs from [[New Jersey Route 42|Route&nbsp;42]] from [[Turnersville, New Jersey|Turnersville]] southeast to [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]]. The Atlantic City Expressway is signed as east–west, though the mileage and exits decrease as if one is travelling north–south. It connects [[Philadelphia]] and the surrounding [[Delaware Valley|Philadelphia metro area]] with Atlantic City and other [[Jersey Shore]] resorts, and also serves other [[South Jersey]] communities, including [[Hammonton, New Jersey|Hammonton]] and [[Mays Landing, New Jersey|Mays Landing]]. The expressway intersects many major roads, including [[New Jersey Route 73|Route&nbsp;73]] in [[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Winslow Township]], [[New Jersey Route 54|Route&nbsp;54]] in Hammonton, [[New Jersey Route 50|Route&nbsp;50]] in [[Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey|Hamilton Township]], the [[Garden State Parkway]] in [[Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey|Egg Harbor Township]], [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|US&nbsp;9]] in [[Pleasantville, New Jersey|Pleasantville]], and the [[Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector]] near the eastern terminus in Atlantic City.

The Atlantic City Expressway uses a [[barrier toll system]], with two mainline toll plazas (Egg Harbor in Hamilton Township and Pleasantville) and ramp tolls at seven interchanges. Tolls can be paid using cash or the [[E-ZPass]] electronic toll collection system. The total cost to travel the length of the Atlantic City Expressway for passenger vehicles is currently $5.90. The expressway features one [[Rest area|service plaza]], the Frank S. Farley Service Plaza, in Hamilton Township a short distance west of the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza, as well as a gas station and mini-mart in Pleasantville.

Plans for the highway began in the 1930s when a [[parkway]] was proposed between [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]] and Atlantic City that was never built. Plans resurfaced for the road in the 1950s when a group of officials led by State Senator [[Frank S. Farley]] pushed for a road to help the area economy. The New Jersey Expressway Authority was created in 1962, tasked with building an expressway. The Atlantic City Expressway was built between 1962 and 1965 at a total cost of $48.2 million. The South Jersey Transportation Authority assumed control of the road in 1991 from the New Jersey Expressway Authority.

==Route description==
The Atlantic City Expressway begins at an interchange with [[New Jersey Route 42|Route&nbsp;42]] in [[Turnersville, New Jersey|Turnersville]] in [[Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Washington Township]], [[Gloucester County, New Jersey|Gloucester County]], where the freeway right-of-way continues north as the North&ndash;South Freeway, a part of Route&nbsp;42. Here, Route&nbsp;42 continues south on the [[Black Horse Pike]] and [[New Jersey Route 168|Route&nbsp;168]] continues north on the Black Horse Pike. A westbound exit provides a connection to County House Road ([[List of county routes in Gloucester County, New Jersey#705|CR&nbsp;705]]) and northbound Route&nbsp;168.<ref name="sld"/>  The expressway then heads southeast as a four-lane road, straddling between Washington Township and [[Gloucester Township, New Jersey|Gloucester Township]], [[Camden County, New Jersey|Camden County]]. On the border between Gloucester Township and [[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Winslow Township]], the Atlantic City Expressway features a [[diamond interchange]] with Berlin-Cross Keys Road ([[List of county routes in Gloucester County, New Jersey#689|CR&nbsp;689]]).<ref name="sld"/>  Past this interchange, there is a diamond interchange with Williamstown Road ([[County Route 536 (New Jersey)#CR 536 Spur|CR&nbsp;536 Spur]]).<ref name="sld"/>  The expressway passes under Malaga Road ([[County Route 536 (New Jersey)|CR&nbsp;536]]) and then features a partial interchange with Fleming Pike ([[List of county routes in Camden County, New Jersey#723|CR&nbsp;723]]), with an eastbound exit and a westbound entrance. It meets [[New Jersey Route 73|Route&nbsp;73]] at another partial interchange, with a westbound exit and an eastbound entrance, where the roadway widens to six lanes. Past this interchange, the highway passes over the [[Southern Railroad of New Jersey]]'s Southern Running Track line.<ref name="sld"/>
[[File:2020-07-07 10 53 43 View west along New Jersey State Route 446 (Atlantic City Expressway) just west of Exit 28 in Hammonton, Atlantic County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|left|Atlantic City Expressway westbound past the Route&nbsp;54 interchange in Hammonton]]

The expressway crosses into [[Hammonton, New Jersey|Hammonton]] in [[Atlantic County, New Jersey|Atlantic County]]. Continuing to the southeast, it passes over the Beesleys Point Secondary railroad line operated by the [[Cape May Seashore Lines]] railroad before it encounters [[New Jersey Route 54|Route&nbsp;54]] at a [[partial cloverleaf interchange]].<ref name="sld"/>  It enters [[Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey|Hamilton Township]] and passes under Weymouth Road ([[County Route 559 (New Jersey)|CR&nbsp;559]]).<ref name="sld"/> The lanes of the Atlantic City Expressway in both directions split for the Frank S. Farley Service Plaza, which is located in the median of the expressway and accessible from both directions.<ref name=sjtafarley>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= [[South Jersey Transportation Authority]] |url= https://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/farley_plaza.asp|work= Atlantic City Expressway |title= Frank S. Farley Service Plaza |access-date= June 15, 2017}}</ref> Named for New Jersey State Senator [[Frank S. Farley]] and run by [[Applegreen]], it has a building containing multiple [[fast-food restaurant]]s, a [[Sunoco]] gas station, a mini-mart and gift shop with [[New Jersey Lottery]] sales, a seasonal [[Farmers' market|farm market]], an ATM, tourist information, and an [[Electric vehicle charging network|electric vehicle charging station]]. The service plaza is also the site of the [[South Jersey Transportation Authority]] administrative offices and a [[New Jersey State Police]] barracks.<ref name="sld"/><ref name=sjtafarley/><ref>{{cite news|last=Brunetti Post|first=Michelle|title=Electric vehicle fast-charging station open on AC Expressway|work=Press of Atlantic City|date=August 4, 2022|url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/electric-vehicle-fast-charging-station-open-on-ac-expressway/article_2b138ee0-13ff-11ed-b279-77266c78f285.html|access-date=November 19, 2022}}</ref> Past the service plaza, the Atlantic City Expressway meets the mainline Egg Harbor Toll Plaza. It then features a partial cloverleaf interchange with [[New Jersey Route 50|Route&nbsp;50]], with the westbound exit and eastbound entrance being [[E-ZPass]] only.<ref name="sld"/><ref name=whyy>{{cite news |url= http://whyy.org/cms/news/government-politics/2010/06/18/no-cash-at-ez-pass-only-exit-on-ac-expressway/40342 |title= No cash at EZ Pass only exit on AC Expressway |date= June 18, 2010 |location= Philadelphia, PA |publisher= [[WHYY-TV]] |access-date= October 7, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120307155917/http://whyy.org/cms/news/government-politics/2010/06/18/no-cash-at-ez-pass-only-exit-on-ac-expressway/40342 |archive-date= 2012-03-07 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/hamilton/article_91be8e00-7af7-11df-aae0-001cc4c002e0.html |title=Exit 17 interchange on the Atlantic City Expressway is open — but it costs $3 to use and only takes E-ZPass |author=Watson, Sarah |date=June 19, 2010 |work=[[Press of Atlantic City]] |access-date=August 9, 2012}}</ref> It meets Leipzig Avenue ([[List of county routes in Atlantic County, New Jersey#670|CR&nbsp;670]]), with another partial interchange featuring an eastbound off-ramp and a westbound on-ramp.<ref name=gm>{{google maps |title= Overview of the Atlantic City Expressway |url=https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Rte+42+%26+Atlantic+City+Expy,+Blackwood,+Gloucester,+New+Jersey+08012&daddr=missouri+avenue+and+fairmount+avenue+atlantic+city,+nj&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=39.363501,-74.489708&sspn=0.124755,0.219727&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=10 |access-date= April 1, 2009}}</ref> Next, it has an eastbound exit and westbound entrance for Wrangleboro Road ([[County Route 575 (New Jersey)|CR&nbsp;575]]), which provides access to Black Horse Pike ([[U.S. Route 40 in New Jersey|US&nbsp;40]]/[[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|US&nbsp;322]]) and the [[Hamilton Mall]] near [[Mays Landing, New Jersey|Mays Landing]].<ref name=gm/> To and from the east, a ramp runs from the Atlantic City Expressway to the US&nbsp;40/US&nbsp;322 split.<ref name="sld"/>

The expressway then enters [[Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey|Egg Harbor Township]]. It has an interchange with Delilah Road ([[List of county routes in Atlantic County, New Jersey#646|CR&nbsp;646]]), which provides access to the [[Atlantic City International Airport]],<ref name=gm/> and passes under Tilton Road ([[County Route 563 (New Jersey)|CR&nbsp;563]]).<ref name="sld"/>  It features a [[cloverleaf interchange]] with the [[Garden State Parkway]] and crosses into [[Pleasantville, New Jersey|Pleasantville]]. In Pleasantville, the expressway meets [[U.S. Route 9 in New Jersey|US&nbsp;9]] at a diamond interchange. It passes under Main Street ([[County Route 585 (New Jersey)|CR&nbsp;585]]) and features a partial interchange with Franklin Boulevard, with a westbound exit and eastbound entrance.<ref name="sld"/>

[[File:2020-07-12 16 14 15 View east along New Jersey State Route 446 (Atlantic City Expressway) at Exit 7S (Garden State Parkway SOUTH) in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|right|Atlantic City Expressway eastbound approaching the Garden State Parkway in Egg Harbor Township]]
The expressway then continues to the Pleasantville Toll Plaza. Past the toll plaza, the travel lanes separate and a [[park and ride]] lot, used by Atlantic City casino employees, lies within the median of the expressway. It then encounters the former Atlantic City Visitor Welcome Center and a Sunoco gas station/[[7-Eleven]] mini-mart<ref name=sjtabout>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |url= https://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/about.asp|title= About the AC Expressway |work= Atlantic City Expressway |access-date= June 15, 2017}}</ref> in the median before it enters the city of [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]]. Upon entering Atlantic City, the expressway passes under the Southern Railroad of New Jersey's Pleasantville Industrial Track line and features an eastbound exit and westbound entrance with US&nbsp;40/US&nbsp;322.<ref name="sld"/>  It then continues southeast, crossing the Beach Thorofare, and soon after encounters an eastbound exit and westbound entrance for the [[Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector]], which provides access to the [[Atlantic City Convention Center]], the Marina district, and [[Brigantine, New Jersey|Brigantine]].<ref name=gm/> The Atlantic City Expressway ends at a traffic light at the intersection with Baltic Avenue/Fairmount Avenue near [[Tanger Outlets Atlantic City]], where the road becomes the [[one-way pair]] of Missouri Avenue eastbound (also known as Christopher Columbus Boulevard<ref name=cr692sld>{{cite web |author= Staff |date=August 2001 |publisher= New Jersey Department of Transportation |url= http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/01000692__-.pdf |title= County Route 692 |work= Straight Line Diagrams |access-date= October 3, 2008}}</ref>) and Arkansas Avenue westbound.<ref name="sld"/><ref name=gm/>

In 2019, the Atlantic City Expressway counted over 54 million toll-paying vehicles.<ref name=sjtareport>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |url= https://www.sjta.com/sjta/publish/library//SJTA-AR-19-LoResVG%20-%2009-03-20.pdf |title= Annual Report|date=2019 |access-date= June 25, 2022}}</ref> The speed limit on the Atlantic City Expressway is {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h}} for most of the route. The Emergency Services Patrol provides motorist assistance along the expressway. Motorists needing assistance can dial #ACE or 609-965-7200 on their mobile phones.<ref name=sjtaesp>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |url= https://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/emergency_service.asp |work= Atlantic City Expressway |title= Emergency Services |access-date= June 15, 2017}}</ref> The entire length of the highway is part of the [[National Highway System (United States)|National Highway System]],<ref>{{cite web |title=National Highway System: New Jersey |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/nhs_maps/new_jersey/nj_newjersey.pdf |access-date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> a network of roads important to the country's economy, defense, and mobility.<ref name=NHS>{{cite web|first1=Stefan |last1=Natzke |first2=Mike |last2=Neathery |first3=Kevin |last3=Adderly |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |title=What is the National Highway System? |work=National Highway System |publisher=[[Federal Highway Administration]] |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=July 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924215257/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/ |archive-date=September 24, 2012 |url-status = live |name-list-style=amp}}</ref>

==Tolls==
[[File:Atlantic City Expressway Egg Harbor toll plaza EB.jpg|thumb|left|Egg Harbor mainline toll plaza]]
The Atlantic City Expressway uses a [[barrier toll system]], with mainline toll plazas and ramp tolls. As of January 1, 2025, all passenger vehicles currently must pay a $4.85 toll at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza, which is located east of the Farley Service Plaza at milepost 17.5, and a $1.45 toll near Pleasantville. Both mainline toll plazas have Express [[E-ZPass]] lanes through the center of the plaza. Tolls are also collected at seven entrances and exits. A $1.45 toll for cars is charged at the eastbound exits and westbound entrances at exits 5, 28, and 33, the westbound exit and eastbound entrance at exit 12, and all ramps at exit 9; in addition, a $0.80 toll for cars is charged at the eastbound exits and westbound entrances at exits 38 and 41.<ref name=sjtatolls>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |url=https://www.sjta.com/maps-tolls-esp#TollSchedule |title=  Toll Schedule |work= Atlantic City Expressway |access-date=January 8, 2024}}</ref>

Every year since 2013, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, eastbound tolls are waived at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza for one hour in the late afternoon on the Friday before [[Memorial Day]] to promote the unofficial beginning of the summer tourist season at the Jersey Shore. [[Chickie's & Pete's]], a local sports bar chain, pays for the tolls collected during this hour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chickie's And Pete's Offering Toll-Free Rides To Jersey Shore On Friday|publisher=[[KYW-TV]]|location=[[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, PA]]|date=May 22, 2014|url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/05/22/chickies-and-petes-offering-toll-free-rides-to-jersey-shore-on-friday/|access-date=May 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Klein|first=Michael|title=Free tolls and food on the Atlantic City Expressway from Chickie’s & Pete’s to start Memorial Day weekend|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 23, 2023|url=https://www.inquirer.com/food/restaurants/free-tolls-atlantic-city-expressway-chickies-and-petes-20230523.html|access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Althouse|first=Michael|title=Heading to the Jersey Shore on Friday? Chickie's & Pete's may pay your toll|publisher=PhillyVoice|date=May 21, 2024|url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/free-tolls-jersey-shore-memorial-day-atlantic-city-expressway/|access-date=May 21, 2024}}</ref> In October 2014, eastbound tolls were waived at the Egg Harbor and Pleasantville toll plazas on Tuesdays between noon and midnight to encourage midweek tourism to Atlantic City.<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlantic City Toll-Free Tuesdays in October|publisher=[[WCAU-TV]]|location=[[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, PA]]|date=September 29, 2014|url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Toll-Free-Tuesdays-277463581.html|access-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:ACE WB past Fairmount Avenue-Baltic Avenue.jpeg|thumb|right|The beginning of the westbound Atlantic City Expressway in Atlantic City]]
The road was planned as a [[parkway]] in 1932, running from the [[Benjamin Franklin Bridge|Ben Franklin Bridge]] in [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]] southeast to Atlantic City, but it never materialized.<ref name="1932plan">{{cite book |title= Regional Plan of the Philadelphia Tri-State District |author= Regional Planning Federation |location= Philadelphia |publisher= Press of Wm. F. Fell Co |oclc= 1847779 |year=1932}}</ref>  The idea for a limited-access road between the Philadelphia area and Atlantic City resurfaced in the 1950s when South Jersey officials, led by State Senator Frank S. Farley, pushed for an expressway between the two areas to help the economy of Southern New Jersey.<ref name="njhf">{{cite book |title= New Jersey Highway Facts |author= Staff |location= Trenton, NJ |publisher= New Jersey Department of Transportation |year= 1967 |oclc= 454541}}</ref> The [[New Jersey Department of Transportation|New Jersey State Highway Department]] authorized traffic studies for a toll road between Turnersville and Atlantic City in 1958 and 1959, and the New Jersey Expressway Authority Act in 1962 called for a five-member agency (the New Jersey Expressway Authority) with representatives from four Southern New Jersey counties to be responsible for issuing bonds to build and maintain the Atlantic City Expressway.<ref name="njea">{{cite book |title= Atlantic City Expressway: Engineering Report |author= New Jersey State Highway Department  |author2= Parsons |author3= Brinckerhoff |author4= Quade  |author5= Douglas |name-list-style=amp|location= New York |publisher= Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas |year= 1962 |oclc= 23458518}}</ref>

Construction of the Atlantic City Expressway started in the middle of 1962. The design was to feature a 300- to 400-foot-wide roadway with 12-foot-wide travel lanes and right shoulders as well as 3-foot-wide left shoulders. The part between Route&nbsp;42 in Turnersville and the Garden State Parkway in Egg Harbor Township was completed on July 31, 1964, and the part between the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City was finished in July 1965. Construction of the Atlantic City Expressway cost a total of $48.2 million.<ref name=sjtahistory/> With the completion of the road, it was anticipated that it would increase tourism to Atlantic City. However, the opening of the expressway did not initially increase tourism to Atlantic City, and toll projections were below expectations. The opening of the Atlantic City Expressway, along with the connecting Garden State Parkway, provided a shorter route to Jersey Shore resort towns in [[Cape May County, New Jersey|Cape May County]] and [[Long Beach Island]]; travel times to Cape May County were reduced by 30 to 45 minutes. Prior to the completion of the expressway, traffic had to use [[Black Horse Pike]] or White Horse Pike to reach the Jersey Shore. With the legalization of casino gambling in Atlantic City in 1978, traffic along the Atlantic City Expressway increased. The construction of the expressway also led to development near the interchange serving Mays Landing, including the Hamilton Mall.<ref name=cp7314/>

[[File:2020-07-07 11 15 27 View west along New Jersey State Route 446 (Atlantic City Expressway) just west of Exit 41 in Gloucester Township, Camden County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|left|Atlantic City Expressway westbound past the CR&nbsp;689 interchange in Gloucester Township]]
Tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway initially cost $0.75 at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza and $0.15 at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza.<ref name=sjtahistory>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |url=https://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/history.asp |work= Atlantic City Expressway |title= History & Milestones |access-date=June 15, 2017}}</ref> In 1969, tolls increased to $1.00 at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza and to $0.25 at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza.<ref name=cp7314>{{cite news|last=Sokolic|first=William|title=A.C. Expressway alters landscape in half-century|work=Courier-Post|location=Cherry Hill, NJ|date=July 3, 2014|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2014/07/03/ac-expressway-alters-landscape-half-century/12176691/|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref>

In April 1977, whats now the service area was renamed in honor of [[Frank S. Farley|Frank S Farley]], who died shortly after.<ref>https://whyy.org/articles/why-frank-farley-has-a-rest-stop-named-after-him/</ref>

In the late 1980s, a third eastbound lane was added between the interchange with Route&nbsp;73 and the Pleasantville Toll Plaza, while the number of lanes was increased at both the Egg Harbor and Pleasantville toll plazas.<ref name=sjtahistory/>

In 1991, the SJTA was created by the [[New Jersey Legislature]] to operate the Atlantic City Expressway, the Atlantic City International Airport, and operations of the Atlantic County Transportation Authority.<ref name=sjtabout/>

On November 11, 1998, the Atlantic City Expressway started accepting E-ZPass for the payment of tolls; the expressway was the first toll road in New Jersey to use the electronic toll collection system.<ref name=sjtahistory/> Tolls along the expressway increased on November 30, 1998, in order to fund a capital improvements plan, with the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza increasing to $2.00.<ref name=sjtahistory/><ref name=cp7314/>

In 2000, the Atlantic City Visitor Welcome Center opened in the median of the expressway near Atlantic City. Construction of the welcome center cost $3.5 million. The welcome center offered amenities including tourist information, T-shirts, restrooms, and E-ZPass sales.<ref name="welcome center">{{cite news|last=Shaw|first=Colt|title=Little-used Atlantic City Visitor Welcome Center set to close Wednesday|work=Press of Atlantic City|date=April 30, 2019|url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/little-used-atlantic-city-visitor-welcome-center-set-to-close-wednesday/article_b6b4a149-610b-547c-893d-75216c5acda9.html|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> THat same year, a new interchange with Berlin-Cross Keys Road (CR&nbsp;689) on the border of Gloucester Township and Winslow Township was completed for $5 million. The completion of this interchange led to the increase of adjacent retail development.<ref name=cp7314/>

The Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector was completed on July 31, 2001, to connect the Atlantic City Expressway to the Marina District and Brigantine.<ref name=sjtahistory/>

Exit 5 was built into a full interchange as part of a project completed in 2002.

Traffic along the expressway peaked in 2008 with over 66.9 million vehicles; however, traffic volumes started to decline as Atlantic City was affected by the [[Great Recession]] and increased competition following the legalization of casino gambling in [[Pennsylvania]]. Tolls along the Atlantic City Expressway increased in 2009, with the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza toll increasing to $3.00.<ref name=cp7314/>

[[File:2021-05-31 14 42 11 View west along New Jersey State Route 446 (Atlantic City Expressway) from the overpass for Atlantic County Route 614 (Cologne Avenue) in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|right|Atlantic City Expressway westbound in Hamilton Township]]
On November 21, 2008, work began on the reconstruction of exit 17, with completion on June 18, 2010.<ref name=sjta61810>{{cite press release |author= Staff |url= http://www.acexpressway.com/acexpressway/news_item.asp?PublicationID=20&ID=1738 |title= AC Expressway exit 17 new full interchange provides access to economic growth in Atlantic County |date=June 18, 2010 |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |access-date=June 19, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612174447/http://www.acexpressway.com/acexpressway/news_item.asp?PublicationID=20&ID=1738 |archive-date= June 12, 2011}}</ref><ref name=sjta112108>{{cite press release |author= Staff |url= http://www.acexpressway.com/acexpressway/news_item.asp?PublicationID=20&ID=1187 |title= SJTA begins construction of Atlantic City Expressway Interchange 17 |date=November 21, 2008 |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |access-date= April 8, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612175314/http://www.acexpressway.com/acexpressway/news_item.asp?PublicationID=20&ID=1187 |archive-date= June 12, 2011}}</ref><ref name=sjta31609>{{cite press release |author= Staff |url= http://www.acexpressway.com/acexpressway/news_item.asp?PublicationID=20&ID=1269 |title= New traffic pattern until July 2009 |date= March 16, 2009 |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |access-date= April 8, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612175322/http://www.acexpressway.com/acexpressway/news_item.asp?PublicationID=20&ID=1269 |archive-date= June 12, 2011 }}</ref> As a result of reconstructing this interchange, the SJTA approved raising the interchange toll to $3.00. This new rate is charged to motorists heading to or from the east along the Atlantic City Expressway at Route&nbsp;50.<ref>{{cite news |title= SJTA approves new $3 expressway toll in Hamilton Township |work= [[Press of Atlantic City]] |date= April 21, 2010 |url= http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_6c620500-4ce5-11df-a972-001cc4c002e0.html |access-date= April 27, 2010}}</ref> The proposal drew opposition from area officials who felt the proposed rate was too high.<ref>{{cite news |last= Ortiz |first= Erik |title= SJTA to review plans for $3 toll at Atlantic City Expressway interchange at Route 50 |work= Press of Atlantic City |date= April 20, 2010 |url= http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/article_b6b77dc8-4c1e-11df-bf48-001cc4c03286.html |access-date= April 27, 2010}}</ref> The westbound exit and eastbound entrance at exit 17 were designed to be E-ZPass only, the first such interchange on the Atlantic City Expressway.<ref name=whyy/>

In 2007, it was announced that the Atlantic City Expressway from milepost 7.0&ndash;31.0 would be widened in the westbound direction to accommodate a third lane from north of the Garden State Parkway to Route&nbsp;73. exit 17 (Route&nbsp;50) would be reconstructed to form a full movement interchange (completed June 18, 2010), and the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza would receive Express E-ZPass lanes to allow traffic to maintain highway speed. Construction on these three projects was financed by a $25 million bond.<ref name=sjta61810/> The first phase was completed in the middle of 2010 and the Express E-ZPass was completed in May 2011.<ref name=inq9410>{{cite news |last= Rao |first= Maya |title= Atlantic City Expressway plans all-electronic tolling |work= The Philadelphia Inquirer |date= September 4, 2010 |url= http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20100904_Atlantic_City_Expressway_plans_all-electronic_tolling.html |access-date= October 7, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100910165237/http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20100904_Atlantic_City_Expressway_plans_all-electronic_tolling.html| archive-date= 10 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=inq52111>{{cite news |last= Nussbaum |first= Paul |title= E-ZPass lanes open at Egg Harbor toll plaza of Atlantic City Expressway |work= The Philadelphia Inquirer |date= May 21, 2011 |url= http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-21/news/29568902_1_e-zpass-lanes-e-zpass-customers-express-e-zpass |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120515220926/http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-21/news/29568902_1_e-zpass-lanes-e-zpass-customers-express-e-zpass |url-status= dead |archive-date= May 15, 2012 |access-date= May 28, 2011}}</ref> The work under the widening project also included improvements to bridges, lighting, and guide signs.  Also, [[intelligent transportation system]] technology, such as [[traffic camera]]s and [[variable-message sign]]s, were added to the Atlantic City Expressway to enhance safety and aid in monitoring traffic. The first phase widened the road from the Garden State Parkway to the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza. The second phase widened the road from the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza to milepost 24.5. The third phase widened the road west to Route&nbsp;73. The ITS components were installed along these sections of the roadway through the course of each phase.<ref name=sjtawidening/> The widening work was completed in May 2014 and the third lane opened in its entirety by Memorial Day 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wittkowski|first=Donald|title=Widening of westbound expressway expected to be complete for Memorial Day|work=Press of Atlantic City|date=May 14, 2014|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/atlantic-city_pleasantville_brigantine/widening-of-westbound-expressway-expected-to-be-complete-for-memorial/article_12c94f56-dba9-11e3-98f2-0019bb2963f4.html|access-date=July 3, 2014}}</ref> The fourth phase added ITS technology to the parts of the road that are not being widened.<ref name=sjtawidening>{{cite web |author= Staff |publisher= South Jersey Transportation Authority |url= http://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/projects.asp?cp=1&pi=5 |title= Third Lane Widening Westbound Atlantic City Expressway |work= Atlantic City Expressway |access-date= February 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314142417/http://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/projects.asp?cp=1&pi=5|archive-date=March 14, 2012}}</ref>

The Atlantic City Visitor Welcome Center closed on May 1, 2019, due to a lack of visitors.<ref name="welcome center"/>

On March 24, 2020, the South Jersey Transportation Authority suspended cash tolls along the Atlantic City Expressway due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], with all tolls collected either electronically or by using coins in exact change lanes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coronavirus Latest: Atlantic City Expressway Cash Tolls Suspended Due To COVID-19 Pandemic|publisher=KYW-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=March 25, 2020|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/coronavirus-atlantic-city-expressway-cash-tolls-suspended/|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Higgs|first=Larry|title=Coronavirus eliminated cash tolls. Here are the highways, bridges, and tunnels where you can't use money.|publisher=NJ.com|date=March 25, 2020|url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-eliminated-cash-tolls-here-are-the-highways-bridges-and-tunnels-where-you-cant-use-money.html|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> Collection of cash tolls along the expressway resumed on May 19, 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alexander|first=Dan|title=AC Expressway, Delaware Memorial Bridge Start Taking Cash Again|publisher=WKXW|location=Trenton, NJ|date=May 18, 2020|url=https://nj1015.com/ac-expressway-delaware-memorial-bridge-start-taking-cash-again/|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> On September 13, 2020, tolls at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza increased from $3.00 to $4.25 and the $0.75 tolls at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza and several interchanges increased to $1.25.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brunetti Post|first=Michelle|title=Toll hikes start Sept. 13 on Atlantic City Expressway, parkway, turnpike|work=The Press of Atlantic City|date=May 27, 2020|url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/state/toll-hikes-start-sept-13-on-atlantic-city-expressway-parkway-turnpike/article_d7ad04e9-9092-5087-8f89-a9f35f663d1b.html|access-date=September 8, 2020}}</ref> On January 1, 2022, tolls along the Atlantic City Expressway increased 3 percent, with the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza increasing to $4.40 and the Pleasantville Toll Plaza and several interchanges increasing to $1.30.<ref>{{cite news|last=Higgs|first=Larry|title=A.C. Expressway follows Turnpike, Parkway with a toll increase|publisher=NJ.com|date=December 8, 2021|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2021/12/ac-expressway-follows-turnpike-parkway-with-a-toll-increase.html|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> Another toll hike occurred on January 1, 2023, which increased tolls to $4.55 at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza and to $1.35 at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza and several interchanges.<ref>{{cite news|last=Higgs|first=Larry|title=Tolls along major N.J. highway are going up again |publisher=NJ.com|date=November 17, 2022|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2022/11/tolls-along-major-nj-highway-are-going-up-again.html|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> On January 1, 2024, tolls increased to $4.70 at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza and to $1.40 at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza and several interchanges.<ref>{{cite news|last=Higgs|first=Larry|title=Toll hikes looming for N.J. bridges and tunnels, and the AC Expressway |publisher=NJ.com|date=November 15, 2023|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2023/11/toll-hikes-looming-for-nj-bridges-and-tunnels-and-the-ac-expressway.html|access-date=January 8, 2024}}</ref>

==Future==
[[File:2020-07-12 16 27 17 View east along New Jersey State Route 446 (Atlantic City Expressway) at Exit 1 (Convention Center, Marina, Brigantine) in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|left|Atlantic City Expressway eastbound at the junction with the Brigantine Connector in Atlantic City]]
The SJTA revealed plans for a major road improvement project that would link the Atlantic City International Airport to the Atlantic City Expressway, with construction beginning as early as 2013. The plan includes new ramps with two overpasses over the expressway. The road would connect Amelia Earhart Boulevard with an overpass above [[County Route 563 (New Jersey)|Airport Circle]]. Plans also call for building a service road with another overpass that would provide access to Delilah Road. Another project involves the installation of an overpass at the end of Amelia Earhart Boulevard next to the entrance to the FAA Tech Center. The proposed roadway would intrude upon a small section of a mobile home park and land owned by Egg Harbor Township.<ref>{{cite news |last= Watson |first= Sarah |title= Project would link Atlantic City International Airport directly to the Atlantic City Expressway by 2013 |work= Press of Atlantic City |date= April 14, 2011 |url= http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/project-would-link-atlantic-city-international-airport-directly-to-the/article_3c5d0ef2-663b-11e0-b504-001cc4c03286.html |access-date= April 17, 2011}}</ref> In 2020, the interchange's cost was projected at $60&nbsp;million.<ref name="press418"/>

The 2019 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan included a project that would add a flyover ramp from the Garden State Parkway northbound to the Atlantic City Expressway westbound. Construction was estimated to cost $20&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fiscal Years 2020-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - Appendix E: Transportation Authorities and Eastern Federal Lands Projects|publisher=South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization|date=September 23, 2019|url=https://www.sjtpo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Appendix-E-FY-20-TIP.pdf|access-date=February 7, 2020}}</ref>

In April 2020, as part of a plan to raise tolls by 37% on the Atlantic City Expressway, the South Jersey Transportation Authority announced a $150&nbsp;million plan to widen the expressway to three lanes in each direction from exit 31 to the western terminus with Route&nbsp;42. The project would also replace the current tolling system with an [[Open road tolling|all-electronic tolling]] system using E-ZPass or [[Video tolling|toll-by-plate]], a tolling system which mails an invoice to license plates without E-ZPass.<ref name="press418">{{Cite news|url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/what-the-atlantic-city-expressway-toll-hikes-would-fund/article_60316185-f8c9-50d7-8444-844fcd9852fa.html|date=April 18, 2020|title=What the Atlantic City Expressway toll hikes would fund|newspaper=The Press of Atlantic City|access-date=August 14, 2020|first=Michelle|last=Brunetti Post}}</ref> In 2022, a request for bids was issued to implement all-electronic tolling along the Atlantic City Expressway, which would serve as a pilot program for all-electronic tolling on toll roads in New Jersey.<ref name=whyy2522>{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Tom|title=Cashless tolls pilot coming to the Atlantic City Expressway|publisher=[[WHYY-TV]]|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=February 5, 2022|url=https://whyy.org/articles/cashless-tolls-pilot-coming-to-the-atlantic-city-expressway/|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref> Groundbreaking for the all-electronic toll system took place on October 30, 2023. The system is planned to be implemented along the roadway by May 2025.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff|title=Atlantic City Expressway transitioning to all-electronic, cashless tolls regardless of EZ Pass|publisher=WPVI-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=October 30, 2023|url=https://6abc.com/atlantic-city-expressway-tolls-new-jersey-south-transportation-authority/13991105/|access-date=October 30, 2023}}</ref> The widening of the Atlantic City Expressway to six lanes between exit 31 and the western terminus, which will build new bridges and reconstruct the interchange with Route&nbsp;42, is expected to begin in 2024 with completion in 2025.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Connors|first1=Rosemary|last2=Chang|first2=David|title=Planned Construction Project to Widen Atlantic City Expressway|publisher=WCAU-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=October 19, 2022|url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/transportation-and-transit/planned-construction-project-to-widen-atlantic-city-expressway/3396839/|access-date=October 19, 2022}}</ref>

==Exit list==
Mileposts run from east to west.{{jcttop|exit|length_ref=<ref name="sld"/>}}
{{NJint|exit
|county=Gloucester
|cspan=2
|location=Washington Township
|ctdab=Gloucester
|lspan=2
|mile=44.2
|exit=&ndash;
|type=
|road={{jct|state=NJ|NJ|42|I|76|dir1=north|to2=yes|dir2=west|I|295|NJTP2||city1=Camden|location2=[[Philadelphia]]}}
|notes=Western terminus
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=44.0
|exit=44
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=NJ|to2=to|dir2=south|CR|705|county1=Gloucester|NJ|42|NJ|168|city1=Sicklerville|city2=Blackwood}}
|notes=Westbound exit only; feeds into Route&nbsp;42 exit&nbsp;7
}}
{{NJint|exit
|county=Camden
|cspan=4
|township1=Gloucester
|township2=Winslow
|ctdab=Camden
|mile=40.7
|exit=41
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|CR|689|name1=Berlin-Cross Keys Road|county1=Camden|location1=[[Gloucester Township, New Jersey|Gloucester Township]]|location2=[[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Winslow Township]]}}
|notes=Tolled eastbound exit and westbound entrance<ref name=sjtatolls/>
}}
{{NJint|exit
|location=Winslow Township
|lspan=3
|mile=38.4
|exit=38
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|CR-Spur|536|name1=Williamstown Road|city1=Sicklerville|city2=Williamstown}}
|notes=Tolled eastbound exit and westbound entrance<ref name=sjtatolls/>
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=32.7
|exit=33
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|CR|723|county1=Camden|location1=[[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Winslow]]|city2=Williamstown}}
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance<ref name=sjtatolls/>
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=31.4
|exit=31
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=NJ|NJ|73|location1=[[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Winslow]]|location2=[[Winslow Township, New Jersey|Blue Anchor]]}}
|notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance
}}
{{NJint|exit
|county=Atlantic
|cspan=15
|location=Hammonton
|mile=27.8
|exit=28
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|NJ|54|city1=Hammonton|city2=Vineland}}
|notes=Tolled eastbound exit and westbound entrance<ref name=sjtatolls/>
}}
{{NJint|exit
|location=Hamilton Township
|ctdab=Atlantic
|lspan=5
|mile=21.5
|place=Frank S. Farley Service Plaza
}}
{{NJint|exit
|type=toll
|mile=17.4
|place=Egg Harbor Toll Plaza<ref name=sjtatolls/>
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=16.8
|exit=17
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|NJ|50|location1=[[Egg Harbor City, New Jersey|Egg Harbor]]|city2=Mays Landing}}
|notes=[[E-ZPass]]-only toll on westbound exit and eastbound entrance<ref name=whyy/>
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=13.5
|exit=14
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=NJ|CR|670|county1=Atlantic|location1=[[Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey|Hamilton Township]]|countydab1=Atlantic|location2=[[Galloway Township, New Jersey|Galloway Township]]}}
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance 
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=12.3
|exit=12
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|US|40|city1=Mays Landing|city2=Smithville|countydab2=Atlantic}}
|notes=Tolled westbound exit and eastbound entrance;<ref name=sjtatolls/> Smithville not signed westbound
}}
{{NJint|exit
|location=Egg Harbor Township
|lspan=2
|mile=9.5
|exit=9
|type=toll
|road={{jct|state=NJ|CR|646|county1=Atlantic|name1=Delilah Road|location1=[[Atlantic City International Airport]]|location2=[[William J. Hughes Technical Center|FAA Tech. Center]]|extra=airport}}
|notes=FAA Technical Center not signed eastbound 
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=7.2
|exit=7
|road={{Jct|state=NJ|GSP|city1=Cape May|location2=[[New York City|New York]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 7S (south) and 7N (north); exits 38A-B on G.S. Parkway
}}
{{NJint|exit
|location=Pleasantville
|lspan=4
|mile=5.4
|exit=5
|type=toll
|road={{Jct|state=NJ|US|9|city1=Pleasantville|city2=Northfield|city3=Smithville|countydab3=Atlantic}}
|notes=Tolled eastbound exit and westbound entrance;<ref name=sjtatolls/> signed for Pleasantville eastbound, Northfield/Smithville westbound
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=4.8
|exit=4
|type=incomplete
|road=[[Pleasantville, New Jersey|Pleasantville]], [[Absecon, New Jersey|Absecon]]
|notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance; access via Franklin Boulevard 
}}
{{NJint|exit
|type=toll
|mile=4.4
|place=Pleasantville Toll Plaza<ref name=sjtatolls/>}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=3.0
|place=Gas station/mini-mart
}}
{{NJint|exit
|location=Atlantic City
|lspan=3
|mile=2.1
|exit=2
|type=incomplete
|road={{Jct|state=NJ|US|40|US|322|city1=Atlantic City|name2=[[Black Horse Pike]]}}
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=0.1
|exit=1
|type=incomplete
|road=[[Atlantic City Convention Center|Convention Center]], Marina, [[Brigantine, New Jersey|Brigantine]]
|notes=Access via {{Jct|state=NJ|ACBC|noshield1=yes}}; eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{NJint|exit
|mile=0.0
|exit=&ndash;
|road=Fairmount Avenue&nbsp;/ Baltic Avenue / Columbus Boulevard
|notes=Eastern terminus; [[at-grade intersection]]
}}
{{jctbtm|exit|keys=toll,incomplete}}

==See also==
*{{Portal-inline|New Jersey}}
*{{Portal-inline|U.S. Roads}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Atlantic City Expressway}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
*[https://www.sjta.com/acexpressway/ Atlantic City Expressway (Official Website)]
*[http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/atlantic-city/ The Roads of Metro Philadelphia: Atlantic City Expressway]
*[http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/ace/ New Jersey Roads - Atlantic City Expressway]
*[http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/12.html#446 New Jersey Roads - NJ State Highways - NJ 446]
*[http://www.sjta.com/ South Jersey Transportation Authority (Owner of Atlantic City Expressway)]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:State highways in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Toll roads in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Limited-access roads in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transportation in Atlantic County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transportation in Camden County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transportation in Gloucester County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transportation in the Pine Barrens (New Jersey)]]
[[Category:Streets in Atlantic City, New Jersey]]