rap # 64 4/13/11

FREEHOLDERS TO SEEK BIDS FOR ROUTE 530 RECONSTRUCTION

ROUTE 530 in Manchester Township will undergo an estimated $4.3 million overhaul this year that will add new turning lanes, sidewalks and other safety features to about 2 miles of roadway.

"This project includes major safety upgrades for both motorists and pedestrians," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders will seek bids for the project that will improve about 2 miles of Route 530 (Lacey Road) from School House Road to County Route 539.

Improvements include the addition of left-turn lanes to five intersections, Kelly said.

Safety improvements will also be made to a newly reactivated railroad crossing.

"We are bringing the rail crossing up to the safety standards set by the state Department of Transportation," Kelly said.

Those improvements include sidewalks at the crossing and train pre-emption of the nearby traffic signals.

All told, more than 4,000 feet of new sidewalks will also be added to the roadway, allowing increased pedestrian access.

"Once completed, we’ll have more than 7,300 of continuous sidewalk that meets the federal requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act," said Freeholder James F. Lacey, liaison to the Ocean County Road Department.

Lacey said the project will also widen the shoulders along the route.

Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said the addition of three new storm basins will also help keep water off the road.

"This is an example of the kind of investment the Board of Freeholders makes to keep our county road network modern and safe." Vicari said.

Ocean County has the largest number of county roads in the state, with more than 620 miles of roads and 259 bridges and culverts.

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