Q. |
Why
is this work necessary? |
A: |
The
original Route 183
Bridge over New Jersey
Transit (NJT) was built
in 1900 and later reconstructed
in 1930. Based on bridge
inspections, it has
been determined to
be in poor condition
and structurally deficient,
with substandard vertical
and lateral clearance
over the railroad tracks.
The existing Netcong
Circle, which is located
close to this bridge
and involves the intersection
of Route 183 with Route
46, will be affected
by the bridge replacement.
It will be eliminated
as part of this project,
and be replaced by
a signalized intersection.
The proposed bridge
will be a single span
structure with increased
lateral clearance to
accommodate
a potential second
set of tracks, and
additional vertical
clearance to allow
for future potential
electrification of
the railroad. |
Q. |
What
is the schedule? |
A: |
The
project is currently
in final design, with
bid documents to be
submitted in May 2010.
It is anticipated that
construction will begin
November 2010 and be
completed by July 2012. |
|
|
Q. |
How
much will the project
cost?
|
A: |
Estimated
construction cost
is $21.4 million,
which will be federally
funded. |
|
|
Q. |
What
affect will the project
have on livability? |
A: |
Netcong
is a well established
community with passenger
train service provided
by NJT. A railroad
station located near
the Route 46/Main Street
intersection is only
about 600 feet west
of the project limits.
It has been designated
a Transit
Village,
with accommodations
for pedestrians and
cyclists with safe
and accessible facilities
within 1/4 mile of
the train station.
As part of the project,
sidewalks will be constructed
along both sides of
Routes 46 and 183.
This will improve accessibility
and mobility for pedestrians,
and reduce local vehicular
traffic and emissions.
The new traffic signal
at Routes 183/46 will
include pedestrian
push button, phases
and indications with
delineated crosswalks.
Wheelchair ramps will
be provided for sidewalk
transitions at all
intersections and depressed
driveways. |
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|
Q. |
Will
there be any safety-related
improvements? |
A: |
Crash
data indicates that
Route 183 through the
Netcong Circle has
an accident rate over
four times greater
than the statewide
average. Existing poor
geometric features,
combined with operational
and safety issues,
will be improved under
the proposed project.
The "High
Point to Cape May Bicycle
Touring Route" passes through
Netcong and follows
Route 183 through the
project limits. The
project will enhance
bicycle safety by providing
8 foot wide shoulders
along all outside lanes
of both Routes 183
and 46. |
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