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NJ - 295/76/42 Construction Projects

Started by jeffandnicole, January 23, 2013, 09:21:46 AM

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jeffandnicole

Quote from: Alps on January 03, 2020, 12:40:05 AM
Quote from: danlb_2000 on January 01, 2020, 07:27:33 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 30, 2019, 12:08:22 PM
https://www.nj.com/traffic/2019/12/its-costing-more-and-taking-longer-but-this-massive-nj-project-is-expected-to-make-life-easier.html

Not much new info...and a phase's projected cost of $192 million increasing by $4 million really isn't all that much on the grand scale of things.  The writer of the article isn't exactly the most fluent of writers either.  He seems to get a quote or two from DOT and good enough.  He's not from around the area either, so his knowledge of the interchange is quite limited.

The article says "That schedule is off by about two years from a 2022 completion date because some modifications had to be made to pre-cast pier designs". Assuming this is true I wonder if this is directly related to the Browning Road overpass?

I did see them doing a concrete pour the other day below where the cemetery side of the temporary bridge will be.
Given how long that's been sitting untouched, you're probably right.

The article really was all over the place, and was never specific in what was causing the delays.  The overall completion date has continually been pushed back several times on NJDOT's website.  I think the Browning Road overpass is another delay, not related to the delays mentioned in Contracts 1 & 2.  The NJDOT website, which has largely gone quiet with updates regarding the project, shows that bridge replacement is in Contract 3.  Anything relating to the overpass was barely worked on in 2019, and the eventual, temporary roadways leading to the overpass have been nothing but a dirty mudpit for all of 2019.

That all said (and one reason why this particular reporter sucks at his job), the NJDOT website, last July, was updated to show the project will be completed in Winter, 2025.  2024 was an old date (which I had seen in the past), and the reporter should've used this public info to contradict what the NJDOT spokesman stated.


jeffandnicole

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 17, 2019, 01:06:28 PM
After a month and a half of postponements, the bids for the 295/42 Missing Moves project were finally received today.  South State, a contractor that does a lot of work for NJDOT, is the apparent high bidder at $180 million.  While higher than previous estimates, the latest request was to have $198 million available, so it's a bit under the most recent funding estimate.

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/apparentbids_19121701.pdf


The contract has been awarded to South State.

The bid results are below.  For the roughly 1 mile ramp project, with associated modifications to the mainlines of 295, 42 & 55, this is a 4+ year project.  :rolleyes:

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/BidTabsDP19144.pdf

danlb_2000

42freeway.com has posted a good update and video of the project. He is confirming that the hold up on the project was with the precast support columns for the mainline overpass. NJDOT also says that the Browning Road work is waiting for the completion of the mainline supports. I have noticed work going on that past few weeks around the foundations for the mainline supports.

https://www.42freeway.com/direct-connect-295-76-42-project-update-feb-2020-aerial-photos-and-video/

bzakharin

There are VMS signs around the project area that I-295 Southbound will be closed (tonight I think, not sure). Does anyone know what they're doing?

jeffandnicole

Quote from: bzakharin on February 19, 2020, 11:54:46 AM
There are VMS signs around the project area that I-295 Southbound will be closed (tonight I think, not sure). Does anyone know what they're doing?

I thought it was Friday night, but either way - I believe they are just doing some repairs in the Aljo Curve (jersey barriers, etc).  They seem to have done some sort of full closure for a night about once a year since the project started.  Usually NJDOT will update their website Friday with a press release regarding the closure.

While on the subject, I noted yesterday a piece of the abutment wall on the north side of 42/76 at Browning Road has been knocked down.  I can't recall seeing that before, and with the other activity in the area I'm wondering if they're *finally* moving on the Browning Road Overpass.  I think I've actually seen some ground movement up on the hills next to Browning Road as well.  I've heard that they've finally resolved the issue and that this overpass should be fully replaced this year...just waiting for them to actually get moving on it!

jeffandnicole

Quote from: bzakharin on February 19, 2020, 11:54:46 AM
There are VMS signs around the project area that I-295 Southbound will be closed (tonight I think, not sure). Does anyone know what they're doing?

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20200221_103405_I-295_southbound_to_Route_42_to_be_closed_and_detoured_overnight_for_Direct_Connection.pdf

Here's that press release.  It's tonight, and it's to repair some damaged jersey barriers.  They probably could leave the highway open and merge traffic down to one lane, but they've had a tendency to just shut the roadway down completely.

Now, if you notice, the detour sends traffic all the way to I-676's Exit 2, then back to I-76 to I-295 South.  This is probably to avoid traffic not familiar with the area getting off at the true next exit on I-76 for Market Street, as that will entail traffic getting back on I-76 East then needing to cross over 5 lanes in about 1/2 mile to get to 295 South.

That said, most traffic using 295 overnight will know that option, and will simply do that isntead. But by signing the detour further down the road, allowing for ample merging time, it limits the liability the construction contractor or NJDOT may have if someone has an accident trying to merge over 5 lanes in a very short distance.

Beltway

http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

jeffandnicole

#507
Quote from: Beltway on March 10, 2020, 10:25:01 AM
According to this article the Missing Moves Project was just awarded at $180 million, with construction to start this Spring.
https://www.42freeway.com/bellmawr-missing-moves-project-awarded-starts-spring-2020-180-million-project-to-connect-42n-to-295s-and-back-aerial-video/

Uhhhhhh....See my post above, from Jan 31:  https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8539.msg2475491#msg2475491 .

Variable message signs have also been posted on the highways affected, stating construction will begin March 14.

The guy isn't bad, although yours truly gave him the guidance on where to get the info in the first place!  I quickly learned, after supplying him some info, that he won't give credit where credit is due, or will hold onto the information.  Later on, especially if additional information is gathered, then he'll utilize my info in his reporting - again, without credit. 

In other words - he's trying to make a name for himself.  He doesn't do a bad job and spends quite a bit of time working on his reports, but in the end he's like most reporters and bosses - if he can slide on acknowledging the source, he'll do so!

jeffandnicole

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20200320_151410_I-295_and_Route_42_Missing_Moves_project_begins_in_Camden_County.pdf

As this press release was issued yesterday, it appears they will be starting the 295/42 Missing Moves project as scheduled.

Unfortunately the area on 295 between Exits 23 and 26 where the work will be taking place is a dead-zone when it comes to traffic cameras.  And with traffic being lighter than normal, any delay won't show up on traffic maps.  So I guess we'll see soon if they are actually doing the work.  I did notice a new 'Work Zone Ahead' sign on Rt. 55 approaching the 55/42 interchange.  There's already overlapping work zone signs on 295 for 2 separate projects (NJ 47 bridge replacement over 295, along with the 295/76/42 direct connection project), so I don't know if they ever added additional signage for this project.

jeffandnicole

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 21, 2020, 08:39:09 PM
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20200320_151410_I-295_and_Route_42_Missing_Moves_project_begins_in_Camden_County.pdf

As this press release was issued yesterday, it appears they will be starting the 295/42 Missing Moves project as scheduled.

Unfortunately the area on 295 between Exits 23 and 26 where the work will be taking place is a dead-zone when it comes to traffic cameras.  And with traffic being lighter than normal, any delay won't show up on traffic maps.  So I guess we'll see soon if they are actually doing the work.  I did notice a new 'Work Zone Ahead' sign on Rt. 55 approaching the 55/42 interchange.  There's already overlapping work zone signs on 295 for 2 separate projects (NJ 47 bridge replacement over 295, along with the 295/76/42 direct connection project), so I don't know if they ever added additional signage for this project.

So they did the traffic shift, although it's one of the more odder shifts you'll see.  All it did was remove the shift for the 295/76/42 work and push downstream where the lanes shift, so you're actually driving in a straighter line.  But, it gives them more room to work where the take-off area will be for the 295 North to 42 South ramp.  If I can ever figure out how to post pics on here I'll do so.

Also, due to the multiple overlapping zones, there are a ton of orange signs out there, most of which in the order they're in won't make any sense.  You Start with a "Work Zone 1 mile", then a 1/4 mile later "Work Zone 1 mile", then literally 2 feet later, "Work Zone 2 miles".  It continues with similar measurements that are all over the place, such as "Work Zone 1500 Feet Ahead" followed by "End Work Zone" followed by "Work Ahead 1000 Feet".

Hwy 61 Revisited

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2020, 08:01:54 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 21, 2020, 08:39:09 PM
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20200320_151410_I-295_and_Route_42_Missing_Moves_project_begins_in_Camden_County.pdf

As this press release was issued yesterday, it appears they will be starting the 295/42 Missing Moves project as scheduled.

Unfortunately the area on 295 between Exits 23 and 26 where the work will be taking place is a dead-zone when it comes to traffic cameras.  And with traffic being lighter than normal, any delay won't show up on traffic maps.  So I guess we'll see soon if they are actually doing the work.  I did notice a new 'Work Zone Ahead' sign on Rt. 55 approaching the 55/42 interchange.  There's already overlapping work zone signs on 295 for 2 separate projects (NJ 47 bridge replacement over 295, along with the 295/76/42 direct connection project), so I don't know if they ever added additional signage for this project.

So they did the traffic shift, although it's one of the more odder shifts you'll see.  All it did was remove the shift for the 295/76/42 work and push downstream where the lanes shift, so you're actually driving in a straighter line.  But, it gives them more room to work where the take-off area will be for the 295 North to 42 South ramp.  If I can ever figure out how to post pics on here I'll do so.

Also, due to the multiple overlapping zones, there are a ton of orange signs out there, most of which in the order they're in won't make any sense.  You Start with a "Work Zone 1 mile", then a 1/4 mile later "Work Zone 1 mile", then literally 2 feet later, "Work Zone 2 miles".  It continues with similar measurements that are all over the place, such as "Work Zone 1500 Feet Ahead" followed by "End Work Zone" followed by "Work Ahead 1000 Feet".

To amend the words of Patrick Star:
"Why don't we take all those work zones
And put them all together?"
And you may ask yourself, where does that highway go to?
--David Byrne

danlb_2000

#511
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 31, 2020, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 17, 2019, 01:06:28 PM
After a month and a half of postponements, the bids for the 295/42 Missing Moves project were finally received today.  South State, a contractor that does a lot of work for NJDOT, is the apparent high bidder at $180 million.  While higher than previous estimates, the latest request was to have $198 million available, so it's a bit under the most recent funding estimate.

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/apparentbids_19121701.pdf


The contract has been awarded to South State.

The bid results are below.  For the roughly 1 mile ramp project, with associated modifications to the mainlines of 295, 42 & 55, this is a 4+ year project.  :rolleyes:

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/BidTabsDP19144.pdf
So it looks like 295 will be widened to 4 lanes in each direction between the new ramps and the Delsea Drive exit. I know the Creek Road overpass is going to be re-built, but I hadn't heard anything about the Almonesson Road overpass, I assume that one is going to get rebuilt also?

Roadrunner75

Quote from: danlb_2000 on April 12, 2020, 03:24:36 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 31, 2020, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 17, 2019, 01:06:28 PM
After a month and a half of postponements, the bids for the 295/42 Missing Moves project were finally received today.  South State, a contractor that does a lot of work for NJDOT, is the apparent high bidder at $180 million.  While higher than previous estimates, the latest request was to have $198 million available, so it's a bit under the most recent funding estimate.

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/apparentbids_19121701.pdf


The contract has been awarded to South State.

The bid results are below.  For the roughly 1 mile ramp project, with associated modifications to the mainlines of 295, 42 & 55, this is a 4+ year project.  :rolleyes:

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/BidTabsDP19144.pdf
So it looks like 295 will be widened to 4 lanes in each direction between the new ramps and the Delsea Drive exit. I know the Creek Road overpass is going to be re-built, but I hadn't heard anything about the Almonesson Road overpass, I assume that one is going to get rebuilt also?
It looks like there is room enough now if they wanted to widen to 4 lanes plus shoulders under Almonesson (or just extend the accel/decel lanes along the shoulder under the bridge).  I'd be more concerned with the bridge across the Timber Creek.

jeffandnicole

Quote from: danlb_2000 on April 12, 2020, 03:24:36 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 31, 2020, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 17, 2019, 01:06:28 PM
After a month and a half of postponements, the bids for the 295/42 Missing Moves project were finally received today.  South State, a contractor that does a lot of work for NJDOT, is the apparent high bidder at $180 million.  While higher than previous estimates, the latest request was to have $198 million available, so it's a bit under the most recent funding estimate.

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/apparentbids_19121701.pdf


The contract has been awarded to South State.

The bid results are below.  For the roughly 1 mile ramp project, with associated modifications to the mainlines of 295, 42 & 55, this is a 4+ year project.  :rolleyes:

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/BidTabsDP19144.pdf
So it looks like 295 will be widened to 4 lanes in each direction between the new ramps and the Delsea Drive exit. I know the Creek Road overpass is going to be re-built, but I hadn't heard anything about the Almonesson Road overpass, I assume that one is going to get rebuilt also?

Based on pics I took at a public meeting in June, 2018, it appears the overpass stays and they just eliminate the right shoulder here, converting it to the 4th lane.

I saw the tree trimming on the south side of that bridge.  It appears they're removing the growth from over the years and will just plant grass on the embankment.

They actually went back and forth deciding if it would be widened to 4 lanes or kept at 3 lanes between Route 47 and the new ramp, with an important piece of that puzzle being the overpass over the creek. As they're going with 4 lanes, they will widen the overpass over the creek.

Alps

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2020, 01:35:59 AM
Quote from: danlb_2000 on April 12, 2020, 03:24:36 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 31, 2020, 02:37:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 17, 2019, 01:06:28 PM
After a month and a half of postponements, the bids for the 295/42 Missing Moves project were finally received today.  South State, a contractor that does a lot of work for NJDOT, is the apparent high bidder at $180 million.  While higher than previous estimates, the latest request was to have $198 million available, so it's a bit under the most recent funding estimate.

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/apparentbids_19121701.pdf


The contract has been awarded to South State.

The bid results are below.  For the roughly 1 mile ramp project, with associated modifications to the mainlines of 295, 42 & 55, this is a 4+ year project.  :rolleyes:

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/procurement/ConstrServ/documents/BidTabsDP19144.pdf
So it looks like 295 will be widened to 4 lanes in each direction between the new ramps and the Delsea Drive exit. I know the Creek Road overpass is going to be re-built, but I hadn't heard anything about the Almonesson Road overpass, I assume that one is going to get rebuilt also?

Based on pics I took at a public meeting in June, 2018, it appears the overpass stays and they just eliminate the right shoulder here, converting it to the 4th lane.

I saw the tree trimming on the south side of that bridge.  It appears they're removing the growth from over the years and will just plant grass on the embankment.

They actually went back and forth deciding if it would be widened to 4 lanes or kept at 3 lanes between Route 47 and the new ramp, with an important piece of that puzzle being the overpass over the creek. As they're going with 4 lanes, they will widen the overpass over the creek.
That's good news. After the US 130 split, there are a number of merges into I-295 with no added lane. Could probably use the 4th lane right now even without the Missing Moves.

danlb_2000

I saw this notice about overnight closures of the Creek Road overpass for utility relocation. I know they are re-building this bridge but I wonder if they are going to do it all at once, or split it half and half like they did with the Creek Road bridge over 42?

https://southjerseyobserver.com/2020/05/04/missing-moves-traffic-advisory-creek-road-bridge-over-i-295-overnight-closures-continue/

jeffandnicole

Quote from: danlb_2000 on May 07, 2020, 06:27:51 PM
I saw this notice about overnight closures of the Creek Road overpass for utility relocation. I know they are re-building this bridge but I wonder if they are going to do it all at once, or split it half and half like they did with the Creek Road bridge over 42?

https://southjerseyobserver.com/2020/05/04/missing-moves-traffic-advisory-creek-road-bridge-over-i-295-overnight-closures-continue/

I had thought they are building the new bridge next to (just north of) the old bridge, so no closures are necessary.  I was a little unsure about that though when they were closing the current bridge to remove utility stuff, which I wouldn't think would be necessary at this point if the new bridge is to be built on a new alignment.

danlb_2000

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 08, 2020, 05:07:31 PM
Quote from: danlb_2000 on May 07, 2020, 06:27:51 PM
I saw this notice about overnight closures of the Creek Road overpass for utility relocation. I know they are re-building this bridge but I wonder if they are going to do it all at once, or split it half and half like they did with the Creek Road bridge over 42?

https://southjerseyobserver.com/2020/05/04/missing-moves-traffic-advisory-creek-road-bridge-over-i-295-overnight-closures-continue/

I had thought they are building the new bridge next to (just north of) the old bridge, so no closures are necessary.  I was a little unsure about that though when they were closing the current bridge to remove utility stuff, which I wouldn't think would be necessary at this point if the new bridge is to be built on a new alignment.

I found a section of the plans that does show a new bridge being build just north of the current one so I am not sure why there would be utility re-location at this point. There was also a release from NJDOT today about overnight closures of the ramps from 42 to creek road  "in preparation of bridge demolition". This makes even less sense since there are no bridges anywhere near that that haven't already been replaced.

danlb_2000

Over the past few months there has been very little work on the Direct Connect project, although I did notice this week that they paved the approach up to where the temporary Browning Road overpass will go. On the other hand, there has been a lot of work happening on the Missing Moves project. I wonder why one is moving ahead but not the other.

Roadrunner75

These two project names are confusing.  Whenever I hear "Direct Connection", I assume it's the project to complete the "Missing Moves" (via a 'direct connection' of course rather than the pair of ramps to make a U-turn at Market St.).  295 was never not "directly connected" to itself - it just shares roadway with 42/76 briefly with some slower speed curves and weaving.  It really should just be something like "Interchange Reconstruction" with the related "Missing Moves" project.


jeffandnicole

Quote from: danlb_2000 on May 31, 2020, 07:17:37 PM
Over the past few months there has been very little work on the Direct Connect project, although I did notice this week that they paved the approach up to where the temporary Browning Road overpass will go. On the other hand, there has been a lot of work happening on the Missing Moves project. I wonder why one is moving ahead but not the other.

Even though they're right next to each other, think of them as two separate and distinct projects that have nothing to do with each other.  They will both have their different circumstances and potential delays.  The first part of the project usually appears to go fast anyway, where there's a lot of preparation for what's to come.  However, we've seen just a little work so far in the grand scheme of things, most of it being fairly surface related.  When they get into building the mile-long ramp and when they start widening the overpasses over the rivers is where you'll see true progress (or true delays!).

Overall, the main interchange progress wasn't bad until about a year ago.  There was some sort of huge issue with the temp Browning Road overpass, which NJDOT has been quite silent about (and the news hasn't done any real investigating).  If they finally paved the approaches, that's a huge step in getting the old bridge replaced, which is holding up everything.

Quote from: Roadrunner75 on May 31, 2020, 08:35:15 PM
These two project names are confusing.  Whenever I hear "Direct Connection", I assume it's the project to complete the "Missing Moves" (via a 'direct connection' of course rather than the pair of ramps to make a U-turn at Market St.).  295 was never not "directly connected" to itself - it just shares roadway with 42/76 briefly with some slower speed curves and weaving.  It really should just be something like "Interchange Reconstruction" with the related "Missing Moves" project.

Those that go thru this interchange every day are probably more familiar with the referencing!

The name was derived a few decades ago when 295 truly had a break.  At that time both directions had a weaving movement with 76/42, so there was no 'direct' way to get thru this interchange without dealing with that weaving.  When NJ 42 was widened from 3 to 4 lanes in the late 1990's, it eliminated the Southbound weave. The Northbound weave wasn't eliminated until Contract 1 of the current project was underway.

Due to those curves - especially the Aljo curve on the Southbound side - the interchange still feels as if you're on a ramp to continue on 295 South, which still causes confusion with those not familiar with the interchange. 

When the project is done, 295 will have a smooth, direct feel thru it.

Besides..."Interchange Reconstruction" is so bland, that is basically what every interchange project is!

danlb_2000

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 01, 2020, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: danlb_2000 on May 31, 2020, 07:17:37 PM
Over the past few months there has been very little work on the Direct Connect project, although I did notice this week that they paved the approach up to where the temporary Browning Road overpass will go. On the other hand, there has been a lot of work happening on the Missing Moves project. I wonder why one is moving ahead but not the other.

Even though they're right next to each other, think of them as two separate and distinct projects that have nothing to do with each other.  They will both have their different circumstances and potential delays.  The first part of the project usually appears to go fast anyway, where there's a lot of preparation for what's to come.  However, we've seen just a little work so far in the grand scheme of things, most of it being fairly surface related.  When they get into building the mile-long ramp and when they start widening the overpasses over the rivers is where you'll see true progress (or true delays!).

Overall, the main interchange progress wasn't bad until about a year ago.  There was some sort of huge issue with the temp Browning Road overpass, which NJDOT has been quite silent about (and the news hasn't done any real investigating).  If they finally paved the approaches, that's a huge step in getting the old bridge replaced, which is holding up everything.


What I am not clear on is whether the slowdown on Direct Connect is related to an issue with the project, or is it related to COVID? Yes it has been going slow for a year, but it appears to have slowed down even more since COVID.

Roadrunner75

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 01, 2020, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on May 31, 2020, 08:35:15 PM
These two project names are confusing.  Whenever I hear "Direct Connection", I assume it's the project to complete the "Missing Moves" (via a 'direct connection' of course rather than the pair of ramps to make a U-turn at Market St.).  295 was never not "directly connected" to itself - it just shares roadway with 42/76 briefly with some slower speed curves and weaving.  It really should just be something like "Interchange Reconstruction" with the related "Missing Moves" project.

Those that go thru this interchange every day are probably more familiar with the referencing!

The name was derived a few decades ago when 295 truly had a break.  At that time both directions had a weaving movement with 76/42, so there was no 'direct' way to get thru this interchange without dealing with that weaving.  When NJ 42 was widened from 3 to 4 lanes in the late 1990's, it eliminated the Southbound weave. The Northbound weave wasn't eliminated until Contract 1 of the current project was underway.

Due to those curves - especially the Aljo curve on the Southbound side - the interchange still feels as if you're on a ramp to continue on 295 South, which still causes confusion with those not familiar with the interchange. 

When the project is done, 295 will have a smooth, direct feel thru it.

Besides..."Interchange Reconstruction" is so bland, that is basically what every interchange project is!
I do get what they mean, but I think it's still too close to "Missing Moves" in name that it can cause confusion.  I grew up practically within walking distance of this interchange and I've driven through it far more times than I can count (and even bicycled over it!).  I've never felt it was not a "direct connection" - just a lousy interchange shoehorned into a tight space but with a giant flashing arrow that always meant "you're almost home".  I've tested the handling limits of multiple cars roaring through the Aljo curve and I'll miss that part of it.  It never really bothered me that much, but I know that it needs this reconfiguration.  But as for the weaving, that was only to change to 42/76 and vice versa - 295 and 42/76 always maintained their own lanes so you didn't need to weave across traffic to stay on your own route - You just had to watch out for the clown who was coming over into your lane.  That's why I don't think of it as fixing what was already a 'direct connection' - it's really just fixing some tight curves and converting a short weave area connecting the two routes into ramps.

As for the name, their marketing department could have done better.  I'm assuming "direct connection" came long before someone coined "missing moves".  What about the new ramps as the sequel: "Direct Connection II - Missing Moves".  Or given current events, rename it to "Flatten the Curve".  What about "Dream Weaver"?  "Scared Straight?"  "Re-Grading on the curve"?  I'll be here all week, folks.

jeffandnicole

Quote from: danlb_2000 on June 01, 2020, 10:20:50 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 01, 2020, 08:42:29 AM
Quote from: danlb_2000 on May 31, 2020, 07:17:37 PM
Over the past few months there has been very little work on the Direct Connect project, although I did notice this week that they paved the approach up to where the temporary Browning Road overpass will go. On the other hand, there has been a lot of work happening on the Missing Moves project. I wonder why one is moving ahead but not the other.

Even though they're right next to each other, think of them as two separate and distinct projects that have nothing to do with each other.  They will both have their different circumstances and potential delays.  The first part of the project usually appears to go fast anyway, where there's a lot of preparation for what's to come.  However, we've seen just a little work so far in the grand scheme of things, most of it being fairly surface related.  When they get into building the mile-long ramp and when they start widening the overpasses over the rivers is where you'll see true progress (or true delays!).

Overall, the main interchange progress wasn't bad until about a year ago.  There was some sort of huge issue with the temp Browning Road overpass, which NJDOT has been quite silent about (and the news hasn't done any real investigating).  If they finally paved the approaches, that's a huge step in getting the old bridge replaced, which is holding up everything.


What I am not clear on is whether the slowdown on Direct Connect is related to an issue with the project, or is it related to COVID? Yes it has been going slow for a year, but it appears to have slowed down even more since COVID.

Not COVID related.

Currently they're in Contract 3 (of 4).  Contract 1 is done, and I believe Contract 2 is finished as well.  Contract 4 won't go out to bid until 2021.  So basically what's left in Contract 3 deals with the Browning Road overpass and the 295 viaduct over 42 and over Browning Road.  Quite a bit of the issue is the Browning Road overpass will be lengthened and get new supports in different locations.  42/76 will be temporarily relocated in the area where the supports are now.  So until that old bridge can be removed, it's in the way of the temporary traffic plan for 42/76.

Could they just take advantage of the less traffic now and just shut down a lane or two?  While it's possible, that are probably more impacts than just to traffic, so a delay is just easier to deal with.

jeffandnicole

While these press releases are never going to win awards for total accuracy, everything they are doing with the Creek Road overpass seems to indicate a knockdown and replacement-in-place, rather than an offset new bridge then demolishing the old bridge:

https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20200601_123212_Creek_Road_Bridge_over_I_295_overnight_closures_continue_as_Missing_Moves_project_advances.pdf

Also, there is temporary signage on large telephone poles, as existing signage on this overpass and elsewhere needs to be removed.  Those temp signs took a beating in yesterday's wind and rain in the area, with some of the poles tilted out of place.  The signage remains standing, but they'll need to fix these up before they totally fail.



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