Headline: New Chase Branch Breaks Ground on Egg Harbor Road — What Washington Township and I‑295 Commuters Should Know
Category: News — Development / Local Business
Crew has started site prep for a new Chase Bank branch on Egg Harbor Road in Washington Township (Gloucester County), and while a bank opening doesn’t always grab headlines, this one matters for people who live, work and drive the I‑295 corridor. The photo circulating from the site shows grading equipment and orange flags — the first visible sign that a national bank is investing in this stretch of town.
Where this is, and why location matters
I confirmed the placement on Google Maps: the site sits on Egg Harbor Road in Washington Township — a commercial corridor that feeds neighbors and commuters who use I‑295 to get to regional job centers. That proximity to the interstate is part of the reason Chase picked it: branches today are often sited where they can serve both local residents and the steady stream of drivers and employees leaving or entering the highway.
Chase (JPMorgan Chase) remains one of the nation’s largest retail banks with a broad ATM and branch footprint. Over the last several years, the banking industry has been reshaping that footprint — closing some locations while beefing up presence where customer traffic and retail visibility remain strong. New branches now often come with drive‑through lanes, enhanced ATMs and a focus on quick in‑and‑out service for busy customers — features likely planned for this site given recent Chase builds elsewhere.
What this means for Washington Township and nearby exits on I‑295
– Convenience for customers: Residents who have been driving farther for in‑branch services will have a closer option. For small businesses along Egg Harbor Road, having a full‑service bank within a short drive can simplify deposits and in‑person banking needs.
– Commuter-friendly access: The branch will serve people who commute via I‑295 — whether they stop on their way to work or swing by on their way home. That makes it a small but useful amenity for anyone using the local exits and commercial nodes off the interstate.
– Development momentum: New commercial construction signals confidence in the corridor. It can attract complementary businesses (coffee shops, quick‑serve restaurants, service providers) and adds to the commercial mix that already caters to highway traffic and neighborhood shoppers. Local planners and economic development staff watch these projects because clustered investment often fuels additional private development.
– Traffic and public infrastructure impacts: Any new bank site typically triggers municipal planning review — everything from stormwater management to driveway design and traffic circulation. Nearby residents may see increased turning movements during peak hours; the township will likely require measures to manage stormwater and safe egress onto Egg Harbor Road. These are standard items covered during municipal approvals, and residents should keep an eye on public notice boards and planning board agendas if they want the details.
Community reaction and local context
Community sentiment around bank branches tends to be utilitarian. Reviews for Chase branches in the region (see local Yelp pages) commonly praise the mobile banking and ATMs while pointing to occasional waits for tellers or drive‑thru queues. For many Washington Township residents, the practical gains — shorter drives, nearby deposit capabilities, and an accessible ATM — will outweigh small inconveniences.
Local outlets like NJ.com and Patch regularly cover how new commercial builds fit into township planning and can be good sources for follow‑up on zoning approvals, traffic studies, and opening timelines. If you’re curious about public comments or the site plan, look for the Washington Township Planning Board agenda or Gloucester County permit postings.
What to expect next
Site preparation is the first visible phase. From here you’ll typically see foundation work, framing, and an exterior that follows Chase’s contemporary brand look: clean facades, signage and a drive‑thru canopy if one’s planned. That timeline can take several months to a year depending on weather and permitting. The township’s planning department or the developer’s public notices will have the official schedule.
Why the story matters to 295Times readers
This isn’t just a bank opening — it’s a small indicator of how the I‑295 corridor is evolving. For readers who track development by exit, town and county, projects like this tell you where commercial attention is heading, which intersections may get busier, and where new services are coming online for commuters and neighborhoods alike. Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or someone who times your commute by exits along I‑295, this Chase build is the kind of local change that affects daily routines — and deserves a look.
If you live nearby or commute through the area: what would you like to see at this location (extended hours, more ATMs, dedicated commercial parking, pedestrian access)? Drop a note in the comments or keep an eye on upcoming planning board notices for opportunities to weigh in.
