$4.7M OK'd for Improvements on Major Morris County Roadway

One of Morris County’s most heavily-traveled roadways is about to get a major facelift, thanks to millions of dollars in approved repair projects.

The Morris County Freeholders gave the go-ahead on a $4.7 million project - $4.5 million of which comes from federal funds – to improve intersections along Sussex Turnpike, the roadway that runs through most of Morris County.

Work on the project will begin before the end of April, and is expected to be finished by the fall of 2016.

Morris County’s financial share of the project comes to $122,600 to finance police traffic costs, liability insurance, and the relocation of a fire hydrant.

The following improvements will be completed:

• 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.

Concrete Construction Corp. of Hackensack will conduct the construction phase of the project for $3.97 million; Greenman-Pedersen Inc. of Lebanon will conduct construction inspection services for $497,328; and T.Y. Lin International of Hackettstown will conduct construction support services for $165,872.

“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 public works issues in a statement. “The current configuration of intersections has long needed significant upgrades. We’re glad this project is finally going to happen.’’

Photo Courtesy Morris Department of Transportation.

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