Project Overview
T&M’s history with this project dates all the way back to the mid-1980s when the firm provided preliminary concept plans for the realignment of Halls Mill Road to the Township of Freehold. Interaction with Rutgers concerning property acquisition was started during these first phases of the project. Several years later, Monmouth County and Freehold Township joined together to obtain federal funding for the improvements and T&M was authorized to provide preliminary engineering and the scoping study to secure those funds. The goal of the project from its initiation was to improve safety, alleviate congestion and improve roadway operations through enhanced roadway geometry, intersection reconfigurations, replacement of substandard structures and elimination of substandard elements within project limits.
T&M assisted the County in the development of the project needs, worked with the County to develop design alternatives, prepared the Environmental Assessment, achieved consensus among stakeholders and obtained the NEPA approval necessary to secure Federal funding. T&M achieved consensus among stakeholders by preparing, moderating and following-up on comments from a public information center and a public hearing.
An extensive traffic data collection survey effort was undertaken to ascertain the existing conditions. Traffic demand forecasts were projected, and traffic was assigned to the realigned intersection based upon discussions with the County. High-frequency accident locations were identified, and countermeasures were integrated into the design. After completion of Preliminary Engineering for both projects and submission of permit applications, the federal grant was obtained. Final Design services included the realignment of both roads, replacement of two County bridges, three new or reconstructed signalized intersections, retaining walls, drainage system upgrades including detention basins, infiltration basins and bioswales. Right of Way Acquisition was required from 30 parcels, including almost 0.5 acres of County parkland and 9.5 acres of the Rutgers University Plant Science Research and Extension Farm. There were also impacts to freshwater wetlands, riparian zones and threatened and endangered species (bog turtles).
The project is Federally funded through NJTPA/NJDOT Local Aid and administered by Monmouth County. Work was performed in accordance with applicable NJDOT Capital Project Delivery Procedures, NJDOT and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Design Manuals, NJDOT/Monmouth County Complete Streets Policy, AASHTO Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Design Guidelines, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the NJDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.
