NJ Turnpike Construction rolls on

[jeffandnicole]

From the NJ Turnpike Authority Meeting Minutes on June 28:
( http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/2012-06-26-Minutes.pdf )

"Chief Engineer Raczynski stated that the Turnpike Widening is progressed and motorists
are already using eighteen (18) new bridges and ramps. In the Northbound direction, the
Authority opened a third lane between Interchanges 8A and 9, making this a full outer roadway.
Another ramp is being opened today from the Pennsylvania Extension through the inner roadway
on the Turnpike at Interchange 6. The public works facility for East Windsor has been completed.
In addition, Raczynski stated around Thanksgiving the new Interchange 8 Toll Plaza will be
opened..."

So while I thought I had read that December was a likely opening date of the new Interchange 8, it appears they are now shooting for a little bit earlier (depending on the definition of 'around' Thanksgiving)!  The new toll plaza probably will be the last one NJ constructs as a manned plaza with individual lanes, with the likelihood of open-road tolling occurring in the future. Even then, the plaza was constructed so that the outer-most islands in both directions can be removed to allow for a wider lane(s).

This will also open NJ's first true SPUI Interchange.  The thru route is NJ 133/NJ Turnpike Interchange 8.  The cross street with the traffic lights will be NJ 33.  NJ currently has one partial SPUI with US 1/130 in the New Brunswick area. 

The reference to Interchange 6 includes the following ramps that are now open: NB (future) inner drive to the NJ/PA WB Turnpike Extension, SB (future) outer driver to the NJ/PA WB Turnpike Extension, and the EB NJ/PA Turnpike Extension to NB NJ Turnpike (future) inner drive.  As you probably know, the inner drive generally is designated for cars; outer drive is generally designated for cars/trucks/buses.  A large "s" curve carries people from the SB Turnpike across the new outer drive pavement to the ramp for the extension.

For those familiar with the turnpike but haven't driven it lately, the roadway was very uniform, especially when it came to overpasses.  Nearly all of them provide about 14 1/2 feet of clearance.  The widening project elevates certain overpasses well above the existing roadway to accommodate the new construction; in some cases 30' or more, such as a new overpass over the turnpike just south of Exit 7A. 

Another visually interesting overpass is at interchange 7.  The SB outer roadway soars over the ramp that one takes entering the NJ Turnpike at interchange 7 (US 206) and heads Northbound.  From this ramp the height of the overpass makes it appear to form a stack interchange or stacked roadway.  This was created due to carry the outer roadway over the existing ramps to/from the current turnpike (future inner drive), but there's never an instance where 3 roadways are stacked in this interchange.  (The NB outer roadway does the same thing, although the height isn't as pronounced.)

Throughout the project limits, there are some areas where the roadwork is done, and some areas where the project has seemingly barely started.  Several of the new VMS and Changable Speed Limit signs are also up; in some cases over both the current and future roadways.  One of the new signs had a test pattern the other day over the new SB outer roadway between Interchange 6 & 5 (in the 2 miles or so prior to the roadways merging).

So anyway...that's my (relatively) quick summary up to this point!

[Alps]

The new toll plaza probably will be the last one NJ constructs as a manned plaza with individual lanes, with the likelihood of open-road tolling occurring in the future. Even then, the plaza was constructed so that the outer-most islands in both directions can be removed to allow for a wider lane(s).

As the Parkway continues to grow in volume and people move south, there remains potential for more toll plazas being constructed that way. However, the new edict is "no cash lanes on the Parkway", so you get an E-ZPass/Exact Change only assembly. I don't know of any situation offhand with a toll plaza rebuild or new construction planned, though.

This will also open NJ's first true SPUI Interchange.  The thru route is NJ 133/NJ Turnpike Interchange 8.  The cross street with the traffic lights will be NJ 33.  NJ currently has one partial SPUI with US 1/130 in the New Brunswick area. 

It's not a partial SPUI at all, it's a combination diamond/folded diamond with a frontage road.

Another visually interesting overpass is at interchange 7.  The SB outer roadway soars over the ramp that one takes entering the NJ Turnpike at interchange 7 (US 206) and heads Northbound.  From this ramp the height of the overpass makes it appear to form a stack interchange or stacked roadway.  This was created due to carry the outer roadway over the existing ramps to/from the current turnpike (future inner drive), but there's never an instance where 3 roadways are stacked in this interchange.  (The NB outer roadway does the same thing, although the height isn't as pronounced.)

Never noticed this. Maybe I thought it was new ramps being constructed instead of the mainline going over.

[NE2]

This will also open NJ's first true SPUI Interchange.  The thru route is NJ 133/NJ Turnpike Interchange 8.  The cross street with the traffic lights will be NJ 33.  NJ currently has one partial SPUI with US 1/130 in the New Brunswick area. 

It's not a partial SPUI at all, it's a combination diamond/folded diamond with a frontage road.

The bridge over US 130 just south of US 1 is a partial SPUI.

[Alps]

This will also open NJ's first true SPUI Interchange.  The thru route is NJ 133/NJ Turnpike Interchange 8.  The cross street with the traffic lights will be NJ 33.  NJ currently has one partial SPUI with US 1/130 in the New Brunswick area. 

It's not a partial SPUI at all, it's a combination diamond/folded diamond with a frontage road.

The bridge over US 130 just south of US 1 is a partial SPUI.

In what universe? It's the end of Carolier Lane. It's a 4-way intersection that happens not to have a way to turn south.

[NE2]

I suppose it looks more like one from the air than it actually is. Do left turns onto 130/171 go simultaneously?

[NJRoadfan]

In what universe? It's the end of Carolier Lane. It's a 4-way intersection that happens not to have a way to turn south.

NJDOT considers it a SPUI: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2001/121101a.shtm

More details were on the old project FAQ web page: http://www.state.nj.us/njcommuter/roads/rt130/faq.html

Is there any transportation engineering technique we are using for the first time in New Jersey?
Yes. This is the first modified single point intersection in New Jersey, constructed on structure over Route 130. Its purpose is to separate local from expressway traffic.

A single point intersection combines two separate diamond ramp intersections into one large one. Signalization of one major intersection simplifies coordination on the main road and can significantly increase traffic carrying capacity compared with a conventional diamond interchange.

The principal operational feature is that only one signalized intersection is required in the intersection through which all four left turns operate outside of each other. The conventional intersection has opposing left turns operating inside one another.

This technique proves effective and valuable in areas that have high volumes of traffic and restricted right of way. It is growing in popularity in use across the nation.

[Alps]

In what universe? It's the end of Carolier Lane. It's a 4-way intersection that happens not to have a way to turn south.

NJDOT considers it a SPUI: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2001/121101a.shtm

More details were on the old project FAQ web page: http://www.state.nj.us/njcommuter/roads/rt130/faq.html

Is there any transportation engineering technique we are using for the first time in New Jersey?
Yes. This is the first modified single point intersection in New Jersey, constructed on structure over Route 130. Its purpose is to separate local from expressway traffic.

A single point intersection combines two separate diamond ramp intersections into one large one. Signalization of one major intersection simplifies coordination on the main road and can significantly increase traffic carrying capacity compared with a conventional diamond interchange.

The principal operational feature is that only one signalized intersection is required in the intersection through which all four left turns operate outside of each other. The conventional intersection has opposing left turns operating inside one another.

This technique proves effective and valuable in areas that have high volumes of traffic and restricted right of way. It is growing in popularity in use across the nation.

Except that's patently false. The turns to/from US 1 SB occur on the west side of the interchange. The turns to/from US 1 NB are on the east side at the Carolier Lane intersection. US 130-US 1 connectors happen to run under that intersection, but that doesn't make it a SPUI, just a partial grade-separated interchange.

[Mr. Matté]

(I didn't want to start a new thread on my question so I figure that posting it in this thread about construction is fine).


Last night, I was driving northbound on the Turnpike and around Exit 8A and saw a couple new VMSs that were put up (those in addition to the standard new VMS/Speed Limit signs which have been up for many months just beyond the P.R.R./CR 535 bridge). Then after the 535 bridge where the highway flattens out, there's a big sign bridge that spans both the inner and outer lanes with three BGSes with embedded VMSs and what looks like lights for a green arrow/red X for lanes. I couldn't find anything about this on the main construction website but I'd figure someone around here might know something about this. Is this supposed to be some kind of new way to transfer from the inner to outer lanes or vice versa?

[Alps]

(I didn't want to start a new thread on my question so I figure that posting it in this thread about construction is fine).


Last night, I was driving northbound on the Turnpike and around Exit 8A and saw a couple new VMSs that were put up (those in addition to the standard new VMS/Speed Limit signs which have been up for many months just beyond the P.R.R./CR 535 bridge). Then after the 535 bridge where the highway flattens out, there's a big sign bridge that spans both the inner and outer lanes with three BGSes with embedded VMSs and what looks like lights for a green arrow/red X for lanes. I couldn't find anything about this on the main construction website but I'd figure someone around here might know something about this. Is this supposed to be some kind of new way to transfer from the inner to outer lanes or vice versa?

There is going to be nothing of the sort, and I've never seen this so it must be brand new. I guess you couldn't see the legend on the BGSs, because that would be enlightening.

[Roadsguy]

Yeah, a crossover would be interesting but useless, since all interchanges have off ramps from both sets of lanes, and on ramps into both sets.

[cpzilliacus]

Yeah, a crossover would be interesting but useless, since all interchanges have off ramps from both sets of lanes, and on ramps into both sets.

On the "dual-dual" parts of the N.J. Turnpike, I believe that all service plazas can be reached from the inner and outer roadways in all cases.  That means that entering a service plaza is a way to legally cross between the two roadways (otherwise illegal, I think).

[jeffandnicole]

Then after the 535 bridge where the highway flattens out, there's a big sign bridge that spans both the inner and outer lanes with three BGSes with embedded VMSs and what looks like lights for a green arrow/red X for lanes. I couldn't find anything about this on the main construction website but I'd figure someone around here might know something about this. Is this supposed to be some kind of new way to transfer from the inner to outer lanes or vice versa?

It could be something unique while they're reconstructing that particular area. 

The majority of the project involves building a new roadway outside of the existing roadway.

In the area just south of 8A, road work involves reconstructing the roadway through the existing merge/diverge area, which means the construction crews will be working much more directly with existing traffic. When the roadwork is completed, this area will simply be mainline roadways, not an area to merge/diverge.  Maybe it's a temporary sign arrangement to assist with detailing which lanes are open while the transition work takes place.

[vdeane]

Yeah, a crossover would be interesting but useless, since all interchanges have off ramps from both sets of lanes, and on ramps into both sets.

Not quite useless.  What if one is congested and the other free flowing?

[1995hoo]

Yeah, a crossover would be interesting but useless, since all interchanges have off ramps from both sets of lanes, and on ramps into both sets.

Not quite useless.  What if one is congested and the other free flowing?

That's what the existing cut-thru openings between the carriageways are for. 

[jeffandnicole]

Yeah, a crossover would be interesting but useless, since all interchanges have off ramps from both sets of lanes, and on ramps into both sets.

Not quite useless.  What if one is congested and the other free flowing?

The Turnpike goes through great pains and expense to keep all interchange and service area ramps with a right lane exit.  It would be cheaper to have one ramp in the middle of the two carriageways, with one merging into it on the right and the other merging into it on the left.  But, it wouldn't be as safe and the ramps would be on the non-preferred left side of the roadway. 

In order to do a crossover based on the Turnpike's specifications, the ramp would have to exit on the right, cross over the outer roadway, and touchdown on the right side of the other roadway.  It would be a very considerable expense for very little benefit.

It's frustrating to be sitting in congestion on one side while the other side is moving at regular speed.  Signs at the diverge point and on-ramps will direct motorists to the free-flowing roadway. But those already in the roadway are SOL, and will just have to sit in the congestion.

[vdeane]

Not always.  When I got on the Turnpike on my way to the Central NJ meet, the signs directed all traffic to the car/truck lanes, with the signs for the car-only lanes saying "Congestion Ahead".  The car-only lanes were free-flowing and the car/truck lanes were the congested ones (not that any of that mattered once I got south of exit 8A).

[PHLBOS]

Not always.  When I got on the Turnpike on my way to the Central NJ meet, the signs directed all traffic to the car/truck lanes, with the signs for the car-only lanes saying "Congestion Ahead".  The car-only lanes were free-flowing and the car/truck lanes were the congested ones (not that any of that mattered once I got south of exit 8A).

I believe that Jeffandnichole was referring to a situation when a motorist is already on the NJ Turnpike, not just getting on it.

[jeffandnicole]

I was, but I have seen what deanej is talking about also.  It's one of those things where, if you don't see it, you don't know it existed.

That accident could've been cleared and traffic started moving again just before he got to that point of the former accident scene.  Or the sign panel could've flipped back to the regular signage just seconds after he passed by it.

[vdeane]

Not sure what it was; I assumed that it was for the 8A merge and someone goofed and put it on the wrong sign.

I believe that Jeffandnichole was referring to a situation when a motorist is already on the NJ Turnpike, not just getting on it.

Signs at the diverge point and on-ramps will direct motorists to the free-flowing roadway.

[roadman65]

NJ Turnpike does not have crossovers between the two carriageways and therefore if one is closed, but later opened you could be stuck on the congested one, being all six lanes being compacted into three.  Then later new entering traffic will fill the closed roadway after the point of problem or construction.

It would be nice to have legal crossovers, but an expensive proposition.  We have to live with it and  even if that means trucks on the inner carriageway at times when it is supposed to be CARS ONLY at all times!

[jeffandnicole]

It would be nice to have legal crossovers, but an expensive proposition.  We have to live with it and  even if that means trucks on the inner carriageway at times when it is supposed to be CARS ONLY at all times!

Well, not quite at all times.  At any point in time when a ramp leading to the outer (Car/Trucks/Buses) lanes is closed, all traffic is directed to the inner 'Cars Only' lanes, and from that point, trucks and buses can be in the Cars Only lanes.  Even though trucks and buses could enter a Service Area to return to the outer lanes, they're not required to do so.

[Steve D]

The new VMS and crossovers about a mile north of Exit 8a will be a temporary merge (southbound) and diverge (northbound) of the inner and outer lanes.  That is, the current start/end to the outer (truck/bus lanes) will be moved from 1 mile south of exit 8a to 1 mile north for a period of about one year to accommodate the construction near the Molly Pitcher Service Area.  There were two factors that necessitated this strategy:  1) the eventual ramp from the inner (Car) lanes southbound sits right in the middle of the current merge and 2) unlike most of the 30 mile widening where the new lanes are added on both outsides of the existing lanes, the closeness of the service area to the Turnpike is forcing the construction of the two new roads to be the eventual northbound lanes in this area only, to the east of the existing mainline.    This new alignment makes it too complex as the start of the outer/inner split. 

It will be interesting to see the lane configurations that lead down to the temporary merge, whether they will be in the current "middle lanes combine" merge or as the old merge near exit 9 where the three right lanes ended in a series one after the other.

[roadman65]

It would be nice to have legal crossovers, but an expensive proposition.  We have to live with it and  even if that means trucks on the inner carriageway at times when it is supposed to be CARS ONLY at all times!

Well, not quite at all times.  At any point in time when a ramp leading to the outer (Car/Trucks/Buses) lanes is closed, all traffic is directed to the inner 'Cars Only' lanes, and from that point, trucks and buses can be in the Cars Only lanes.  Even though trucks and buses could enter a Service Area to return to the outer lanes, they're not required to do so.

That is what I was referring to.  When the Truck/ Bus Lanes are closed, they have to use the Cars Only Lanes.  The putting up part was those trucks and buses who have no choice but to use them during those time.

[Roadgeek999]

Yeah, a crossover would be interesting but useless, since all interchanges have off ramps from both sets of lanes, and on ramps into both sets.

Not quite useless.  What if one is congested and the other free flowing?

The Turnpike goes through great pains and expense to keep all interchange and service area ramps with a right lane exit.  It would be cheaper to have one ramp in the middle of the two carriageways, with one merging into it on the right and the other merging into it on the left.  But, it wouldn't be as safe and the ramps would be on the non-preferred left side of the roadway. 

In order to do a crossover based on the Turnpike's specifications, the ramp would have to exit on the right, cross over the outer roadway, and touchdown on the right side of the other roadway.  It would be a very considerable expense for very little benefit.

It's frustrating to be sitting in congestion on one side while the other side is moving at regular speed.  Signs at the diverge point and on-ramps will direct motorists to the free-flowing roadway. But those already in the roadway are SOL, and will just have to sit in the congestion.

The ramp from the Turnpike NB to the Newark Bay Extension EB is actually in the middle of the ramps from the inner and outer roadways.  From the inner roadway, you bear right to get to the Extension and from the outer roadway, you bear left.

[NJRoadfan]

The ramp from the Turnpike NB to the Newark Bay Extension EB is actually in the middle of the ramps from the inner and outer roadways.  From the inner roadway, you bear right to get to the Extension and from the outer roadway, you bear left.

All the Exit 14 ramps leave the mainline highway from the right side, there are no left exits there.