Route 18 Grading and Pavement Rehabilitation is a colossal endeavor for Earle, and spans from July 2022 through November 2026 for the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This ambitious project entails the rehabilitation of a heavily traversed, six-lane, four-mile highway section, weaving through a densely congested area. Given the unrelenting traffic, bustling businesses, and the tight squeeze of congestion, a substantial portion of the work takes place during the night, subject to stringent lane closures.
The project unfolds in three stages and five zones, meticulously planned to maximize crew efficiency and work hours. It commenced in February 2023 with water main installation, followed by the permanent closure of lanes in April to facilitate the replacement of the median barrier curb and the installation of the new gas main. By July 2023, lanes were once again closed, marking the beginning of drainage installation and the construction of a detention basin. This ambitious undertaking presents various challenges, including maneuvering around a multitude of businesses and navigating heavy traffic. Not only that, but the unearthing of a labyrinth of unknown buried utilities, integrating with older infrastructure, and coordinating crews’ transition between night and day shifts are formidable obstacles that the dedicated Earle Team adeptly overcomes.Â