| Q. |
Why
is this work necessary? |
| A: |
The existing bridge decks are in poor condition and need replacement. Also, the widening of Route 18 northbound will eliminate potential merging conflicts between Route 18 northbound traffic and New Jersey Turnpike traffic and will eliminate backups on Route 18 and the New Jersey Turnpike. The project will also modify Ramp D to better accommodate tractor trailer traffic from Route 18 northbound to Route 1 southbound. |
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| Q. |
What
is being done under this project? |
| A: |
Three bridge superstructures are being replaced. The superstructures will be demolished and rebuilt using the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) Method. ABC will involve the use of a moveable construction barrier for rapid establishment and dismantling of the work zone and will utilize prefabricated superstructure units (PSU) built off site and installed during ten anticipated weekends.
A segment of Route 18 northbound from just north of Westons Mill Pond to the ramp to Route 1 southbound is being widened to add a third lane to ease traffic congestion and weaving.
Ramp D which carries traffic from Route 18 northbound to Route 1 southbound will be reconstructed and its geometry (curvature) improved.
ABC Method being used on the
Route 202 Passaic River bridge replacement project.
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| Q. |
Where is the work being performed?
|
| A: |
The project area extends approximately 6/10 of a mile from Milepost (MP) 40.3 to MP 40.9 in the City of New Brunswick. Work will also take place on Route 1 in both directions in the immediate vicinity of the Route 18 overpass. |
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| Q. |
What is the schedule? |
| A: |
Construction on the project began in July 2014 and is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2016. |
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| Q. |
How is emergency access being addressed through the Route 18 and Route 1 interchange, specifically during Stages 4, 5 and 6? |
| A: |
Traffic will be maintained on both Route 1 and Route 18 at all times during the project with the exception of intermittent and brief stoppages of traffic for safety reasons to remove or install portions of the bridge which cannot be accomplished over active traffic. The number of available travel lanes will vary, depending upon the time of day or night and construction activity. Short detours were implemented during scheduled work weekends during Summer 2015. |
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| Q. |
What are the hours of construction? |
| A: |
Work will be accomplished during daytime and nighttime hours. |
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| Q. |
When will there be lane and shoulder closures? |
| A: |
There are allowable hours for lane and shoulder closures and will only be permitted during certain times. |
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| Q. |
How will motorists be notified when work on certain parts of Route 18 and Route 1 will affect their daily commute? |
| A: |
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will use Variable Message Signs (VMS), the 511NJ Travel Information web site, this project web site and media outlets to alert motorists. |
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| Q. |
How
can I stay informed about this project? |
| A: |
The information on this project web site will be periodically
updated to reflect current information. For real time travel information, check the 511NJ Travel Information web site. Also, traffic cameras are located at this interchange (select "NJ 18 Tour" from the drop down list and choose the camera for "NJ 18 at US 1" or select the "US 1 Tour" and choose the camera for "US 1 at NJ 18"). |
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| Q. |
What other projects are in the area? |
| A: |
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is currently undertaking improvements to Interchange 9 and Route 18 adjacent to this project. For additional information, contact:
Michael Grant, Senior Project Engineer
New Jersey Turnpike Authority
581 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
732.750.5300 |
