COURT HOUSE – The summer shut down of the Commonwealth Avenue (County Road No. 619) Resurfacing Improvement project in the Strathmere section of Upper Township is coming to an end and construction is slated to start Sept. 12. Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. of Hammonton, NJ will begin with the installation of new storm drain pipes at the Commonwealth Avenue intersection with Putman Avenue. The drain pipe construction will proceed from Putman Avenue northward on Commonwealth Avenue to Willard Avenue.
To avoid conflicts between the drainage work and the concrete gutter and curb construction, Asphalt Paving Systems’ concrete crew will begin their work in late September at the Prescott Avenue intersection and proceed northward to the bridge. The milling and paving of the Commonwealth Avenue can only occur once the drainage and concrete work is completed. Therefore the paving will not start until late fall.
The Cape May County Freeholder Board awarded Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., a $3,246,000 to perform the improvements on Commonwealth Avenue from the border with Sea Isle City to the Corsons Inlet Bridge (toll bridge). Commonwealth Avenue is a two lane roadway (one travel lane in each direction) with a full shoulder on both sides that allows for parking. This past spring, Asphalt Paving Systems completed all work under the resurfacing contract from the Sea Isle City border to Prescott Avenue before shutting down for the summer tourist season in early June.
The improvement program consists of removing the existing asphalt surfacing from the top of the underlying concrete subbase of Commonwealth Avenue and resurfacing the roadway to raise the pavement crown to the maximum extent possible to improve drainage. The shoulders will be reconstructed to eliminate the settlement and asphalt deterioration that currently exists at the edge of the concrete subbase. Broken, damaged or out-of-grade concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks are to be replaced and the project has been designed to achieve compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act. Concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks in good condition will not be replaced. Additional concrete curbs will be limited to that needed to facilitate stormwater drainage. Under this construction contract drainage improvements will be limited to the right-of–way of Commonwealth Avenue and mainly consists of upsizing or adding pipes where appropriate. There is over 5,000 feet of drain pipe in the contract to assist in managing the stormwater runoff. The roadway will be restriped similar to existing upon completion and continental style crosswalks (looks like piano keys) will be installed across Commonwealth Avenue at street intersections. No changes to the roadway alignment and no pavement widening is proposed.
Motorists should expect delays when traveling through Strathmere this fall. While Commonwealth Avenue is the only through roadway in this barrier island community, Bayview Avenue parallels the section of Commonwealth Avenue that Asphalt Paving Systems is working this fall. During working hours, traffic will be detoured to Bayview Avenue and will be marked with the appropriate detour signs. Commonwealth Avenue will be open to all traffic during the overnight hours and weekends.
Asphalt Paving Systems typical workday is 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (or later depending upon the construction operation). No weekend work is anticipated, unless inclement weather becomes an issue with the project. The project is slated to be completed by the end of the year.
French & Parrello Associates, Wall, NJ were the designers of the project. Gibson Associates, PA, Ocean View, NJ is providing the construction oversight.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Cape May County Public Works Department at (609) 465-1035 or by email at countyengineer@co.cape-may.nj.us.
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