Project Overview
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) is dedicated to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on one of the busiest toll roads in America, the Garden State Parkway (GSP). Interchange 0 on the Garden State Parkway is located in Lower Township in Cape May County and provides direct access to Route 109. The NJTA identified Interchange 0 as an interchange in need of operational and safety improvements. T&M was hired to improve vehicular safety, traffic circulation patterns and reduce congestion at the intersections of the GSP and Route 109, and Route 109 and Ocean Drive. Improvements included:
- The closure of median U-Turn ramps.
- Elimination of dangerous weave sections.
- Realignment of Route 109 South.
- Construction of an additional through lane in both the northbound and southbound directions.
- Implementation of a jug handle ramp to provide a direct connection between Route 109 South and GSP North.
- Elimination of a Southbound median left turn lane in conjunction with construction of a far side jug handle at Ocean Drive.
Other design elements include the upgrade of two signalized intersections, drainage improvements, utility relocations, roadway lighting, upgrade of signing including an overhead sign structure, and a retaining wall to avoid impacts to a local street.
Extensive environmental permits were required. An EIS Report and Public Hearing were provided to meet EO215 requirements. Wetlands mitigation, in addition to No Net Loss Reforestation Act mitigation, was also addressed.
Drainage improvements included the design of roadway drainage systems, detention basins, and design of stormwater BMPs using TR-55. T&M prepared a stormwater management plan and performed studies associated with the improvements.
The project required coordination with the NJDOT and Cape May County.
