Monday, October 18, 2004

Levinson Announces Start of Construction at Hammonton Intersection

Construction began today, October 18, on more than $275,000 of improvements to the intersection of Third Street and Fairview Avenue in Hammonton, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson. The improvements include replacing the existing traffic signal, accommodating wider turns and installing new storm sewer pipes to enhance drainage.

The intersection will be detoured Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour or find an alternate route. Local businesses and the Hammonton High School will remain accessible.

The project had been slightly delayed due to utility relocation problems which have now been resolved. The project is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Levinson also announced that county officials are awaiting approvals from the Pinelands Commission and the state Department of Environmental Protection before moving ahead with the final design for the replacement of Hammonton's Liberty Street Bridge, a 40-year old wooden bridge that crosses Cedar Branch. If these approvals are received by the end of the year, as expected, the project would go to bid next spring.

Due to significant deterioration of the piling and pile caps on the northwest side, the bridge has settled nearly six inches. A $107,200 contract for replacement designs was awarded to Adams, Rehman & Heggan Associates, Inc. of Hammonton last December.

Meanwhile traffic lanes have been shifted to the southeast side of the 56-foot wide span and an 11-ton weight limit is in effect. Schools buses are voluntaily using an alternate route to access the Hammonton Middle School until the bridge is replaced.

"I appreciate the community's cooperation and patience in dealing with each of these projects," said Levinson. "We had hoped to be further along by now but were delayed by circumstances beyond the county's control. We will continue to make every effort to realize completion."

For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, (609) 343-2223.

County News