Construction to start on Sussex Turnpike in Randolph
RANDOLPH – The Morris County Freeholders have approved a $4.7 million Sussex Turnpike intersection improvement project designed to enhance safety and traffic flow.
Work on the road that runs through Randolph, and serves as a commuter route to and from Morristown, the County College of Morris and Route 10 in Roxbury is scheduled to start on or after March 16 and be completed by the fall of 2016.
“This is a much needed road improvement project that will enhance motor vehicle and pedestrian safety at outdated intersections on this heavily traveled artery, and also improve traffic flow on this major commuter route that runs through Randolph,’’ said Freeholder David Scapicchio, the Freeholder Board’s liaison on road issues. “The current configuration of intersections have long needed significant upgrades. We’re glad this project is finally going to happen.’’
The Freeholders voted unanimously last week on resolutions to award a $3.97 million contract to the low bidder, Concrete Construction Corp. of Hackensack for construction; $497,328 to low bidder Greenman-Pedersen Inc. of Lebanon for construction inspection services; and $165,872 to low bidder T.Y. Lin International of Hackettstown for construction support services.
The federal government will pay more than $4.5 million for the work, with Morris County’s share to be $122,600 to finance police traffic costs, liability insurance and the relocation of a fire hydrant, according to a press release from the county.
Sussex Turnpike has been under design for safety and capacity improvements by the New Jersey Department of Transportation since the 1970’s. More recently, the state DOT project was transferred to Morris County for completion.
The following improvements will take place with the Sussex Turnpike Improvement Project, according to the release:
•The intersection of Sussex Turnpike and Dover-Chester Road will be widened to accommodate left turn lanes on all approaches. A new traffic signal will be installed. Pedestrian ramps that can accommodate persons with disabilities will be installed.
•At the intersection of Sussex Turnpike and Calais Road, Sussex Turnpike will be widened to allow for installation of a westbound left turn lane into Calais Road. Calais Road will be realigned to form a 90 degree intersection with Sussex Turnpike. Underground signal equipment will be installed for a potential future traffic signal.
• The section of Sussex Turnpike between Harvey Terrace and West Hanover Avenue will be widened to accommodate left turn lanes at intersections.
•The traffic signal at Sussex Turnpike and Millbrook Avenue will be replaced and pedestrian ramps that can accommodate persons with disabilities will be installed.
• West Hanover Avenue will be realigned to intersect Sussex Turnpike directly across from Brookside Road. Approximately 800 feet of West Hanover Avenue will be relocated to install this improvement.
•A new traffic signal will be installed at the West Hanover Avenue, Brookside Road and Sussex Turnpike interconnection. Pedestrian ramps that can accommodate persons with disabilities will be installed.
• The existing drainage system along Sussex Avenue will be modified. A new detention basin will be constructed where West Hanover Avenue now intersects with Sussex Turnpike.
In concert with Randolph Township, the county will notify adjacent property owners and hold a public information center about the project, probably in late March or early April.
For more information on the project, please visit: http://morrisdot.org/projects/sussextpke.asp