Commonwealth Avenue Resurfacing Improvements to Begin in March

COURT HOUSE – Resurfacing improvement project for Commonwealth Avenue in the Strathmere section of Upper Township is expected to begin the week of March 14.  The Freeholder Board awarded Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., Hammonton, NJ 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.
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 pipes where appropriate and reducing the width of the runoff spread in the gutters.  There is over 5,000 feet of drain pipe in the contract to assist 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.
Unfortunately, Commonwealth Avenue is the only through roadway in this barrier island community.  During the construction phases, now until mid-June and from mid-September to the end of the year, motorists can expect delays in traveling through Strathmere.  The construction will be performed while maintaining traffic.  During work days, traffic will be reduced to one (1) lane with traffic controlled by flaggers.  However, outside the Asphalt Paving Systems working hours, typically 7am to 3:30pm (or later depending upon the construction operation), both travel lanes will be opened.  No weekend work is anticipated, unless inclement weather becomes an issue with the project.
Asphalt Paving Systems will begin work at the border of Sea Isle City and progress northward.  All work will be suspended for the summer tourist season in mid-June.  Asphalt Paving Systems anticipates being completed with all work from the border with Sea Isle City to at least northward to Prescott Avenue by mid-June.  Any areas of disturbance from this construction project this spring north of Prescott Avenue will be made suitable for use during the summer months.  Work will begin again in mid-September and all work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.                                                                 
The ongoing New Jersey American Water Company construction project within Commonwealth Avenue is expected to complete sometime in May.   The New Jersey American Water Company work is being performed in anticipation of the County’s roadway improvement program.
The substructure repair work on the Corsons Inlet Bridge will be completed by mid-March.
This $3.7 million project was chosen for consideration and approved for federal funding by South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.  French & Parrello Associates, Wall, NJ were the designers of the project.  Gibson Associates, PA, Ocean View, NJ will be 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.