JACKSON TWP — Work will begin soon on a new FedEx regional distribution center, which is expected to create more than 500 jobs.

The township supervisors Thursday night approved the plans for development of the Sippel Development Commerce Park off Tomlinson Drive.

The plans call for a 305,540 square-foot warehouse with a 5,180 foot garage and 642 parking spaces to be built on 68 acres.

Doug Sippel, president of the Sippel Development Co., said that work will begin immediately on preparing the site.

“We’re thrilled,” he said about the approval and the arrangement with FedEx to lease the building.

Construction of the building’s foundation is planned for March 2015, and the facility is expected to be open by June 2016, Sippel said.

Supervisor Chairman Ron Lutz said that development will be good for the township because it will bring additional tax revenue and create jobs.

“These are full time jobs where people can make a living and people can get benefits,” Lutz said.

The warehouse, and its potential job creation, was a factor in the township getting a $1.5 million grant from the state, according to township manager Chris Rearick.

The grant, and a 30 percent local match, will be used to improve the intersection of Route 528 with Tomlinson Drive and Jo Deener Road.

When completed, the two roads will be relocated to form a four-way intersection with Route 528 that will include a stoplight. It also will improve the flow of traffic from new commercial and residential developments.

Sippel expects the intersection to be done by 2016 since it is required for FedEx to begin operating.