ACTT Workshop: New Jersey
November 16-18, 2004, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Chapter 3: Workshop Recommendations

3.1 Environmental Skill Set

Constraints and Opportunities

1. Natural Resources:
   • Stormwater-must consider stormwater options early:
   • Affects ROW needs.
   • Affects project cost (design, construction, ROW, and mitigation).
   • Affects constructibility.
   • Affects geometry (need greater design detail).
   • Avoid violations during construction.
   • Little Timber Creek ecosystem.
   • Pursue diverging Ramp B and C alternative proposed by geometric skill set to provide significant wetland credit and stormwater opportunities:
     • Remove two stream crossings on Al-Jo's curve.
     • Maximize floodplain and wetland creation and restoration.
     • Add bioretention in reclaimed areas.
2. Bellmawr Park Community:
   • Avoid/minimize impacts by redesigning Ramp F.
   • Meet with Bellmawr Park residents and association to identify preferred solution(s) to potential impacts. Some mitigation options identified are:
     • Utilize undeveloped land adjacent to Bellmawr Park for relocation.
     • Utilize open space within the Bellmawr Park community.
     • Construct higher-density units along alignment within Bellmawr Park to replace affected units.
     • Relocate community facilities to area adjacent to highway and construct new housing in their place.
     • Offer buy-out option to residents (not just affected residents) in order to acquire units for relocation for affected residents who wish to remain in Bellmawr Park.
     • Address Section 106 considerations.
3. Baseball Fields:
   • Reconstruct an urban deck in the depressed section alternative.
4. Noise Impacts:
   • Limited mitigation options are available on stacked alternative.
   • Address increased noise impacts at tunnel portals.
   • Utilize quiet paving throughout project.
   • Utilize noise absorbing materials on structures.
5. Visual Impacts:
   • Develop appropriate modeling to assess and communicate visual impact of alternatives.
   • Consider context when designing structures.
   • Height.
   • Aesthetic treatments.
6. Tunnel/Underpass:
   • Select location of tunnel/underpass portals to avoid impacts to sensitive receptors.
   • Consider multiple depressed sections to:
     • Minimize visual, noise, and traffic impacts.
     • Optimize constructibility and use of space.
     • Avoid need for detour routes for hazardous cargo.

3.2 Roadway/Geometric Design Skill Set

1. Evaluate alternate Ramp A connection with Missing Moves I-295 SB Ramp (SR-42 NB to I-295 NB).

   Pros:

   • One primary decision point for SR-42 NB traffic heading towards I-295.
   • Eliminates separate Ramp A exit and one decision point along SR-42 NB.
   • Moving ramp entrance reduces number of weaving sections along SR-42.
   • Continued benefit of longer distance to execute weave between this interchange and SR-168 Interchange.
   • Majority could be built off line. One less movement that has to be maintained within interchange during construction.
   • Improved likelihood of providing a two-lane entrance with I-295-2400 ft (720 m). Current design has two-lane SR-42 takeoff that necks down to one lane prior to merge with I-295.
   • Simplified bridge. Eliminates challenging elevated connection to I-295 mainline.
   • Simplified signing.

   Cons:

   • Potentially worsens weaves between SR-55 and Missing Moves ramp.
   • Missing Moves ramp may not be able to handle increased volume even if increased to two lanes. Missing Moves ramp already services both Leaf Ave and I-295 SB.
   • Additional ROW impacts and/or takings including new impacts to commercial properties along Creek Road.
   • Portion of alignment on inactive landfill requiring likely use of same geofoam roadway section being used in Missing Moves project-increased cost.
   • Original concept does not accommodate local traffic, industrial park traffic, and state trooper access to I-295 NB (see below).
   • Major impacts to Missing Moves project schedule and environmental documents if incorporated into that project.
2. Evaluate Ramp A connection through variation of original Alternative D concept.

   Pros:

   • Avoids Ramp A on structure over I-76.
   • Continued benefit of longer distance to execute weave between this interchange and SR-168 interchange, however less than current scheme.
   • Elevated section would still lessen potential impacts to properties to remain along Fir Place.

   Cons:

   • Still requires complex structural connection to I-295 mainline bridge.
   • Constructibility-footprint over existing ramp network.
   • Affects mausoleum. Would require additional shifting of mainline north into floodway/floodplain.
3. Evaluate single two-lane takeoff for Ramp F and Ramp D (I-76 SB to I-295 NB and SB, respectively).

   Pros:

   • One primary decision point for I-76 SB traffic heading to I-295.
   • Eliminate Ramp F exit and one decision point along I-76 SB.
   • Could move Ramp C bullnose north to improve weave to Leaf Ave.
   • Eliminating Ramp F through Bellmawr Park reduces property impacts and roadway footprint.
   • Eliminate need for large retaining walls between Ramp C and Ramp F.
   • Eliminate bridge for Ramp F and Ramp C crossing if reuse of Al-Jo's curve is pursued.
   • Simplified signing.

   Cons:

   • Combined ramp volumes of 2,300 a.m. peak and 3,200 p.m. peak may be too high to be supported on two-lane ramp.
   • Requires complex structural connection to I-295 mainline bridge.
   • Could worsen weave for traffic from Market Street.
   • Reversing curves will be difficult to properly superelevate.
   • Not compatible with Ramp C over I-76.
4. Evaluate single takeoff for Ramp B and Ramp C (I-295 to I-76 NB and SB, respectively).

   Pros:

   • One primary decision point for I-295 SB traffic heading toward I-76.
   • Eliminate Ramp B exit and one decision point along I-295 SB.
   • Increased weave distance for SR-168 on ramp.
   • Improved driver expectancy if Ramp C under I-76 pursued.
   • Alignment shift could potentially minimize creek impacts.
   • Simplified signing.

   Cons:

   • Combined ramp volumes of 4,200 a.m. peak and 4,000 p.m. peak would likely require three-lane exit.
   • May not have sufficient length to develop profile for Ramp C under I-76.
   • Reversing curves will be difficult to properly superelevate, leading to high crown line break between lanes.
   • Gore grading/drainage could be undesirable-drain across mainline.
   • Could worsen weave from SR-168.
5. Evaluate improvements to the Leaf Avenue Interchange along SR-42 NB.

   Pros:

   • Maintains connectivity to I-295 and SR-42 NB for locals and commercial properties along Benigno Boulevard.
   • Potentially improves exit to Benigno Boulevard-longer queue.
   • Potentially eliminates need for traffic signal at Benigno Boulevard-less conflict.
   • Leaf Avenue local on ramp would only need to be one lane connection to I-295.
   • Opportunity to cul-de-sac Wellwood Avenue and/or vacate in conjunction with adding left turn lane on Creek Road.
   • Eliminates single exit for I-295 SB and Benigno Boulevard in Missing Moves project.
   • Improves driver expectancy for Benigno Boulevard movement.
   • Most "pros" from first item still applicable.

   Cons:

   • Requirement improvements cited in first item-connection to Missing Moves ramps.
   • Missing Moves flyover ramp could require widening to two lanes.
   • Most "cons" from first item still applicable.
   • Revisions to Missing Moves project would likely delay that project.
   • One lane Ramp A would still require complex midspan connection.
6. Evaluate realignment of Essex Avenue with Harding Avenue.

   Pros:

   • Could be integrated with modifications to alternatives that shift alignment into ball fields.
   • Provides improved connectivity to SR-42 SB. Eliminates need for left turn from Essex and left turn from Creek Road.
   • Eliminates T-intersection configuration of Essex Ave and Creek Road.
   • Reduces structure length if variation for Ramp A from Missing Moves is pursued.

   Cons:

   • Could potentially worsen Creek Road level of service (LOS).
   • Could require a traffic signal at Creek Road.
   • Limited, if any, specific benefit to the project purpose and need-scope creep.
7. Investigate benefits of maintaining existing alignment along Al-Jo's Curve for Ramp C movement (I-295 to I-76 SB).

   Pros:

   • Already being investigated as part of the technical environmental study (TES) effort for Alternates D1 and H2.
   • Possibly avoid new structure crossing of I-76. Currently requires widening along I-76 SB and possible deck replacement for NB due to elimination of express/local configuration.
   • Avoid long span curved Ramp C bridge over I-76.
   • Improved elevation differentials along Bellmawr Park versus Ramp C over or under schemes.
   • Potential staging benefits. Limit I-76 maintenance and protection of traffic (MPT) if existing underpass maintained.

   Cons:

   • Public perception that major roadway deficiency is not being eliminated.
   • Existing substandard underclearance.
   • Existing substandard radius and stopping sight distance for 45 mi/h (72 km/h) design speed.
   • Providing required radius could affect additional environmental resource and church property.
   • Reduction in wetlands available to be restored. Existing creek crossing not eliminated.
8. Investigate required number of lanes along I-295 through interchange and/or reduced roadway section with 12-ft (3.6-m) outer shoulders.

   Pros:

   • Reduced structure width and cost. Even larger benefit realized with underpass/tunnel and stacked alternatives.
   • Reduced footprint through Bellmawr Park.
   • Improved ability to develop multilane ramps-2,400 ft (720 m).

   Cons:

   • Deviates from established project goal of maintaining three-lane I-295 roadway in each direction.
   • Preliminary traffic analysis indicates nominal improvement.
   • Proposed 16- and 17-ft (4.8- and 5.1-m) shoulders meet posted 55 mi/h (88 km/h) speed-more approvable design exception. The 12-ft (3.6-m) shoulders meet less than 45 mi/h (72 km/h) design speed.
   • Perception of being short sighted with respect to traffic increases.
9. Investigate improvements to the Market Street/Rte 130 I-76 SB on-ramp.

   Pros:

   • Could improve Market Street/Rte 130 to Ramp D weave by reducing on-ramp turbulence.

   Cons:

   • Higher Market Street on ramp volumes could be function of non-existent Missing Move ramps-U-turns.

3.3 Geotechnical Skill Set

Focus:

• Accelerate Construction.
• Minimize impact on:
  • Community.
  • Existing traffic.
  • Existing structures.
• Improve safety.

1. Depressed Roadway/Urban Decks

   Pros:

   • Minimal impact to existing traffic.
   • Improved work zone safety (versus bridge construction).
   • Reduced noise.
   • Context sensitive solution (open space).
   • Work underground 24/7.

   Cons:

   • Cost.
   • Spoils.
2. Jacked Boxes:
   • Jacked sections (under live traffic).
   • Under 800 ft (240 m), not classified a tunnel.
   • Use in conjunction with cut and cover.
   • Minimal impact to traffic.
   • Locations:
   • I-295.
   • Ramp C (under Browning, Ramps B, D, and I-76).
   • Under all existing roadways.
3. Cut and Cover:
   • Slurry wall construction.
   • Top down.
   • Precast decking.
   • Work below covered area.
   • Minimal impact to traffic.
4. Embankments:
   • Keep heights as low as possible.
   • Use lightweight fills liberally.
   • Advanced construction contract.
5. Lightweight fill materials:
   • EPS geofoam embankments.
   • Lightweight foamed concrete.
   • Shredded tires.
   • Numerous facing/aesthetic treatments.

   Fill Type	Range of Density (kg/m3) [lb/ft3]
   Geofoam	14 to 30 [1-2]
   Foamed Concrete	335 to 770 [20-50]
   Wood Fiber	550 to 960 [35-60]
   Shredded Tires	600 to 900 [35-55]
   Expanded Shale or Clay	600 to 1040 [35-65]
   Flyash	1120 to 1440 [70-90]
   Boiler Slag	1000 to 1750 [65-110]
   Air Cooled Slag	1100 to 1500 [70-95]

6. Shredded tires:
   • Use of waste material.
   • FHWA guidelines.
7. Earth retaining structures:
   • MSE walls.
   • Soil nailing.
   • Secant walls.
   • Anchored walls.
   • Gravity walls.
8. Secant pile wall system
9. Deep foundations:
   • High-capacity piles.
   • >200 tons.
   • Fewer piles.
   • Smaller cap.
   • Less noise.
   • No spoils.
   • Simplify quality control (QC), dynamic testing, inspection.
   • Augered (drilled shafts, micropiles).
   • Where vibrations are a major issue (<100 ft [30 m]).
   • Advanced construction contract.
   • Design phase load test program.
10. Cross-discipline:
    • Safety.
    • MOT.
    • Access/laydown.
    • Material availability.
    • Contracting mechanism.
    • Contaminated soil.
    • Utilities.

3.4 Structures Skill Set

Get In, Get out

1. Bridges:
   • Prefabrication of any bridge, bridge elements, and structural systems.
   • Advance purchase/fabrication of structural components.
   • Superstructures.
   • Deck systems.
   • Substructures.
   • Roll-in railroad structure.
2. Walls-select based on construction speed and design needs:
   • MSE walls.
   • Sheeting with or without facade.
   • Post and panels.
   • Modular walls.
3. Technology:
   • High-performance concrete (HPC) and high-performance steel (HPS).
   • Lighter loads.
   • Shallower system.
   • Bridge movement system.
   • Self-propelled modular transport.
   • Girder launching/skidding.
   • Roll in.
   • Vertical lifting.
4. Stay Out:
   • HPC and HPS.
   • Low-maintenance structures (no tunnel).
   • Quality and durability-integral abutment bridges.
   • Inspectibility without affecting traffic.
   • Future redecking.
   • Automated deicing on deck of big bridge and flyovers.
5. Miscellaneous:
   • Design with these items-lock in transportability.
   • Set construction duration.
   • Project-wide Web-based electronic communication plan.
   • Electronic shop drawings.
   • Electronic design submittals.
6. Suggestions to Alternative D:
   • Investigate depressed Ramp C and make Ramp D flyover.
   • Investigate eliminating Ramp F by combining with Ramp D and bring it to the big bridge.
   • Investigate taking all I-295 traffic off SR-42 NB at Missing Move ramp.

3.5 Traffic/ITS/Safety Skill Set

1. Identify closure hours/options:
   • Monday through Thursday (11 p.m.-5 a.m.), except weekends/holidays; summer period-May 15 to September 1.
   • Tailor hours to actual volumes and capacities on mainline and ramps.
   • Evaluate noise ordinance restrictions; seek waivers.
   • Consider special/sports event impact.
   • Shoulder/median can be used as through lane.
   • Multiple shifts and night work should be considered.
   • Ensure current and reliable counts.
   • Moveable barrier (reversible lane).
2. Identify alternate routes:
   • Identify routes such as NJTPK, SR-130, SR-41, SR-47, SR-168, and local roads.
   • Identify and involve stakeholders, including Pennsylvania DOT and Delaware DOT.
   • Identify opportunities for improved efficiencies on alternate routes (variable-use lanes; restrict movements on SR-168 and SR-130, signal timing, signing and striping modifications, and intersection improvements).
3. Staging components:
   • Consider staging sequence to minimize road user impact.
   • Sequencing key phases.
4. Public transportation alternatives and incentives:
   • Port Authority Transit Company (PATCO).
   • New Jersey Transit.
   • Free/discounted passes, HOV discounts.
   • Park ‘n Ride (temporary leases or permanent) discounts.
   • Cross County Connection, TMA.
   • Include in budget to accommodate additional alternatives.
5. Smart Work Zone Concept:
   • Provide travel times for existing and alternate routes.
   • Provide detector and camera information.
   • Evaluate possible lane closure options.
   • Use permanent or temporary locations.
6. Construction coordination:
   • Establish coordination committee.
   • Ensure coordination with other agencies/contractors active in area.
   • Traffic Interference Report (TIR).
   • Maintain active construction worksite.
7. Emergency response team:
   • Partnering:
     • Communication with police, fire, and other agencies.
   • Include traffic operations and contractor representative.
   • Include incident management task force (Routes 295/42/76).
8. Advanced notice to public/politicians:
   • Ensure accurate/complete information.
   • Feed info to news media.
   • Variable message signs (new message alert-highway advisory radio).
   • Reliable delay reporting.
   • "511" phone information source.
   • Prepare marketing.
9. Integrated ITS implementation:
   • Traffic video will be available via TS #16 (real-time and Internet recorded images in use).
   • Permanent VMS are present adjacent to project area.
   • ITS capabilities will be available during construction.
10. Safety:
    • Work zone construction details including ramp merge.

3.6 Construction Skill Set

1. Design-Build:
   • Saves time, reduces claims.
   • Requires critical path method (CPM).
   • Allows more innovation.
   • Under contractor control.
   • Single contract.
   • Public relations.
   • Permits innovative funding.
   • Limits bidder pool.
2. Construction Management:
   • Use of CPM activities:
     • Regardless of contracting method implemented, use cost loaded CPM.
     • Escrow of bid documents.
     • Hire contractor and/or designer to review construction schedule prior to contract award.
     • Incentives and disincentives used at critical stages and milestones.
   • SUE:
     • Prior to design phase.
     • Allows for advanced utility work.
     • Influences design-build options.
     • Benefits funding issues.
     • Utility corridor.
   • A+B bidding and lane rental:
     • NJDOT has experience with A + B bidding.
     • Lane rental is a proven technology that should be pursued in New Jersey.
     • Nationwide experience.
3. Staging:
   • Construct a temporary ramp for SR-42 SB to the Missing Moves project to I-295 SB:
     • Allows construction of Ramp F, part of Ramp C, and false work on I-295 bridge (mainline) without traffic.
     • Capacity of Missing Moves project must be evaluated.
   • Construct a temporary ramp from I-295 NB to the Missing Moves project to SR-42 NB:
     • Improves construction staging and operations for new I-295 mainline.
     • Additional initial costs will be offset by a much shorter construction duration and lower overall contract costs.
   • Detour traffic using the NJTPK:
     • Segregates I-295 through-traffic.
     • Allows for accelerated construction.
     • Should eliminate NJTPK tolls during construction.
     • Traveler mitigation.
   • Modify Browning Road grade-raise:
     • Reduces heights of I-295 mainline and ramp structures.
     • Reduces cost of mainline work ($50 to $100 million).
     • Reduces impacts to Victory Drive (homes).
     • Enhances mainline and ramp geometrics.
     • Reduces noise and visual impacts.
     • Reduces construction duration by approximately 1 year.
     • 30 percent reduction.
     • Requires reassessment of Bellmawr homes.
     • Build prefabricated structures and other elements:
     • Minimizes disruption to traffic.
     • Provides cost savings.
   • Allow closure of I-295 for short durations:
     • Need advanced public relations (PR).
     • PR needs to be continuous.
   • Consider use of reversible barrier:
     • Easy and quick to implement.
     • Increases traffic capacity.
   • Contractor staging area and casting yard:
     • Eases construction and speeds delivery.
     • Saves contractor money-owner.
4. Materials:
   • Pavement-type HMA versus PCC:
     • Recommend HMA to facilitate construction stages
   • Use innovative materials/technology as needed to facilitate construction:
     • Numerous materials are available that could be used on this type of project.
     • Cost effective.
     • High quality and durable.

3.7 Innovative Contracting/Financing Skill Set

1. Delivery Methods:
   • Phased construction.
   • Advance construction (DBB):
     • Utility relocations.
     • Prepurchase material.
     • ITS for alternate routes.
   • Primary contract method (modified DB):
     • Special prequalifications (short list).
     • Risk allocation.
     • Clearly define roles/responsibilities.
       • Prescriptive performance requirements.
     • Program management oversight.
2. Cost plus time bidding:
   • Commonly referred to as A+B bidding.
   • Award to the lowest A+Bx, where:
     • A = traditional bid component.
     • B = contractors bid for the number of days to complete critical work.
     • x = an amount based on road user cost per day.
     • Include I/D provisions in the contract.
3. Multiparameter bidding:
   • A+B-C:
   • A+B = cost plus time.
   • C = maintenance or warranty parameter.
4. Special prequalification:
   • Pass/fail criteria.
   • Specialized expertise.
5. Contract management:
   • Incentives:
     • Time I/D.
     • Quality I/D.
     • Traffic management I/D.
   • Lane rental:
     • A contracting technique that assesses a rental fee for each lane taken out of service during construction.
     • The use of this technique minimizes the time that roadway restrictions affect traffic flow.
   • Partnering:
     • Elevate issues in a timely fashion.
     • Eliminate litigation and claims.
     • Complete projects on schedule.
     • Complete projects within budget.
     • Maintain high quality.
     • Maintain safety.
     • Find better ways to get the job done.
6. Quality-based methods:
   • VE/constructibility.
   • Warranty/maintenance provisions.
7. ADR:
   • Mediation/DRB.
   • Mandatory prebid.
   • Preconstruction workshops:
     • Utility coordination and process review.
     • Scheduling.
     • QA adjustments.
8. Financing considerations:
   • Revenue sources.
   • Financing mechanisms.
   • Project finance plan and cost estimates.
9. Revenue sources:
   • Federal Aid Highway Program.
   • New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority.
   • User charges: direct or shadow tolling, HOT lanes.
   • Local involvement: developer assessments, sales taxes, and property taxes.
   • Private sources: construction companies, other contractors.
   • State general funds (GO bond proceeds).
10. Financing mechanisms:
    • Long-term:
      • GARVEE bonds.
      • Trust fund tax-free debt.
      • 63/20 corporation.
      • DBOM/DBM contracting (prepaid maintenance/warranty).
      • ROW lease-purchase (annuity).
    • Short-term:
      • Construction cashflow financing.
      • Commercial paper issued by State or trust fund.
11. Financing plan:
    • Basic financing plan and time schedule for each alternative as decision criteria:
      • Consistent with project schedule.
      • Cost estimate:
        • Common cost categories including environmental, traffic management, and utilities.
        • Inclusive of project scope, financing costs.
        • Expressed in year of construction dollars.
        • Includes contingencies.
        • Incorporates certainty/probability (Washington State DOT cost estimation model).

3.8 Public Relations Skill Set

Communication Goals:

• Inform communities of construction plans, potential impacts, and address their concerns during construction phase.
• Advise commuters of short- and long-term traffic impacts, i.e., lane closures, traffic pattern changes.
• Divert 10-20 percent of traffic from the interchange during construction.

Approach:

1. Conduct research to:
   • Determine best method of reaching key audiences-find out what they want to know, methods of getting it to them, and how it will change their commutes.
   • Determine motivations that will divert motorists, i.e., time savings or costs.
   • Use and expand community advisory committee.
   • Identify stakeholder groups and communications needs.

Outcome-communications plan:

2. Communications plan strategy #1:
   • Conduct an aggressive community outreach program:
     • Establish visible, friendly presence in the community via a mobile information center.
   • Communications professional serves as community liaison to address concerns, i.e., noise, traffic.
   • Develop newsletter for community residents, elected officials, and community leaders with project details and milestones.
   • Frequent updates to elected officials to include project tours.
3. Communications plan strategy #2:
   • Advise commuters of short- and long-term traffic impacts.
   • Partnership with local traffic reporters.
   • Work with tourism industry.
   • Commercial media advertising, radio, and print.
   • Project website; link to live traffic cameras.
   • HAR radio.
   • VMS.
   • Project brochures (distribute at toll booths, EZ pass mailings).
   • E-mail subscriptions for project updates, lane closures, etc.
   • Shopping mall kiosk.
4. Communications plan strategy #3:
   • Divert 10-20 percent of automobiles from interchange during construction.
   • Establish a mobility strategy group to provide and promote alternative transportation choices:
     • Transportation Management Association (TMA).
     • Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).
     • New Jersey Transit.
     • NJTPK.
     • Atlantic City Expressway Authority.
     • Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).
     • Limousine/tour bus industry.
   • Divert 10-20 percent of automobiles from interchange during construction.
5. Aggressive media relations program:
   • Broadcast and newspaper.
   • Traffic reporters.
   • Special interest publications, i.e., AAA.
6. Communications needs:
   • Budget 4-6 percent of project cost.
   • Add to the project team a full-time communications professional.
   • Procure marketing firm to assist with research and advertising activities.
7. Potential funding mechanisms to supplement project funding:
   • Congestion mitigation air quality (CMAQ) promotion of ride sharing.
   • Highway safety 402 funds-promotion of workzone safety, aggressive driving, etc.