Platform Update

November 2009

ACTION ITEMS

ARC MASS TRANSIT TUNNEL:  Last month, Governor Corzine issued Executive Order 155 to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the spending of public funds on the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel project. 

The EO states that it is imperative that contracts for the project, like all state contracts, be awarded to vendors in a manner that is fair, transparent, and designed to ensure that the project receives quality services and products at the lowest price from responsible bidders. Construction on the project also must be within budget and on schedule.  Additionally, the Office of the State Comptroller will provide guidance to the entities involved in the project concerning internal controls and accounting.

NJ Transit is also required to provide the Governor with quarterly status reports consistent with the information it provides to the Federal Transit Administration. The reports must include detailed scheduling and budgeting information.

In related news, the following contractors have been pre-qualified to proceed to Phase 2 of the procurement process for the final design and construction: A joint venture of Barnard of New Jersey and Judlau Contracting Inc.; a joint venture of Shea/Schiavone/Skanska; and ARC Constructors, a joint venture of S.A. Healy Company and CCA Civil/Halmar International LLC.

The ARC Mass Transit Tunnel project, being built in partnership with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, will be a nine-mile commuter rail system. It is anticipated to double the number of trains that can travel under the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey from 23 to 48 per hour. The project also doubles rush hour passenger capacity from 46,000 to 90,000. The extra train service is expected to eliminate 22,000 automobile trips a day. The project will create approximately 6,000 construction-related jobs annually and is expected to be completed by 2017.

Advocating for the prioritization and funding for the Mass Transit Tunnel is a primary goal of the P4P Transportation Coalition. 

NJ TURNPIKE & GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IMPROVEMENTS:  Work is proceeding on both the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway expansion projects. 

The Turnpike will be widened between Interchange 6 (Mansfield Township , Burlington County) and Interchange 9 (East Brunswick, Middlesex County).  The roadway will be widened to 12 lanes with major modifications constructed at four interchanges, at a total cost of approximately $2.7 billion. Project completion is targeted for late 2014.

The final design is approximately 60 percent complete. Meetings have been held with each of the impacted 11 municipalities and three counties along with the various regulatory agencies. Construction oversight will be conducted by a joint venture of DMJM Harris, Greenman Pedersen, and PB Americas.

In related news, East Windsor Township will receive $1.2 million from the NJ Turnpike Authority for the sale of eight acres of preserved open space in the township. The Turnpike Authority said the land is needed to expand the toll road from six to 12 lanes as part of the expansion project.   East Windsor owns 4.8 acres of the parkland being sold to the Turnpike Authority, while the remaining three acres are county-owned parkland in the township. The $1.2 million will go entirely to East Windsor , but the county will consult with the township on any projects the money funds.

The Garden State Parkway will be widened between Interchange 80 in Toms River and Interchange 30 in Somers Point. The first phase of this project is from Milepost 80 to Milepost 63.  The construction of Phase 1 is currently underway.

Three construction contracts were awarded for the Interchanges 80 to 63 widening project – Midlantic Construction LLC, R.E. Pierson Construction Company and the Earle Asphalt Company. The firm STV was selected as “construction program manager” for the project.

Advocating for the widening of the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway is a primary goal of the P4P Transportation Coalition. 

ITEMS OF INTEREST

GREATER MERCER TMA ANNUAL MEETING:  The Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association recently held its annual meeting in Princeton , which was attended by more than 80 business and government leaders. Greater Mercer TMA Executive Director Sandra Brillhart and luncheon speaker Michael Egenton of the State Chamber spoke about the federal transportation reauthorization bills and the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund. Both stated the need for sufficient, stable and dedicated funding to meet the mobility needs of New Jersey ’s residents, commuters and businesses.  With both funding authorizations set to expire soon, the speakers explained how investing in public transit, senior transportation, and bicycling and walking trails would benefits individuals, businesses and the region.

Established in 1984, the Greater Mercer TMA is a long-standing member of the Platform for Progress Transportation Coalition and is dedicated to reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility in and around Mercer County by providing a variety of commuter programs and services.

NJ AWARDS $104M FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts recently announced $103.8 million in municipal aid grants to fund street improvement and safety projects.  Municipal aid grants provide funding to municipalities that otherwise would devote local tax revenue to road improvements. The grant program covers a variety of projects, including road resurfacing, rehabilitation, reconstruction and signalization. Municipal governments maintain over 29,000 miles of New Jersey ’s 36,000 miles of roadway.  A complete list of projects by county can be seen here.

NEW STUDY REVEALS ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CONTINENTAL AIRLINES: Earlier this month, Continental Airlines released an economic impact study by NERA Economic Consulting describing the airline’s impact on the New York/New Jersey region. The study showed that in 2008, Continental’s operations contributed more than $6.3 billion in gross regional product to the region and an estimated 110,000 jobs amounting to more than $5.9 billion in personal income.

To view a full copy of the NERA report go here.

Continental’s hub at Newark Liberty currently provides daily or near-daily nonstop service to 26 European destinations, seven Canadian cities, eight Central American/Caribbean destinations, four cities in Mexico , plus Bogota , Sao Paulo , Beijing , Delhi , Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai and Tokyo . 

NYNJPA & NJ TRANSIT UNVEILS NEW CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY WEB SITES:  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently launched a new Web site that marries technology and transparency and provides new features that customers have told the agency are important to them. The Web site, www.panynj.gov, is the first overhaul of the site in 13 years. It will be available to customers at the welcome centers at the Port Authority’s airports.

NJ Transit also recently redesigned its Web site - www.njtransit.com.  Targeted to the rider, the new site features a streamlined look and improved functionality that will make it easier for customers to access information. Some of the new features include a trip planner and a service status panel that lets train riders see at a glance whether their line is having problems. 

 Click here for the previous update.

Michael Egenton
Vice President , Environment & Transportation
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
216 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609)989-7888 Ext. 119
Fax: (609)989-9696
Michael.Egenton@njchamber.com