Ridgedale Construction

When Madison residents think of the construction on Ridgedale Avenue, they generally start getting a headache, especially now that the school year has started up again. Some people don’t know a lot about what exactly is going on with the construction, or even what the point of it is. In order to find out exactly what’s happening on Ridgedale, and how long it will take to be completed, MDO got in touch with Construction Manager Bob Vogel to interview him about the road work.

MDO: What is your role in the Ridgedale Construction Project?

VOGEL: I function as the Owners Engineer and Construction Manager, and Dennis Harrington (a Madison resident and graduate) provides construction field inspection for the Borough on this project.

MDO: Why, exactly, was Ridgedale chosen to undergo construction?

VOGEL: The Borough has a twenty year road resurfacing plan and five year capital projection that indicated Ridgedale Ave would be in need of replacement due to age and deteriorated condition. The number of programmatic utility replacements have also left trench repairs in less than desirable condition. As many parents, teachers, and students may have noticed, Public Service Gas Company was onsite in early summer to replace the gas main due to strong encouragement from the municipality, and after several years of municipal correspondence requesting action by the utility. Madison is fortunate to have the gas main replaced now, so there will be no need for utility excavation after the resurfacing work is completed later in the month. Similarly, there are several new utility service connections being installed now to avoid future cuts in the new road surface.

MDO: Why did they create the bump out at Central? Was it for safety reasons?

VOGEL: Central Ave is a county route designated for truck traffic and higher vehicle counts. The problem is that many out-of-town drivers approaching from Florham Park do not recognize Ridgedale Ave as a local road with a lower speed limit. The bump out (and traffic calming signage that will be installed there) will make drivers clearly aware of the reduced speed limit and alignment of the country truck route, as well as reduce the pedestrian crosswalk length to a safer 32 foot width for anyone crossing at Central Ave. Central Ave between Fairview and Ridgedale is also planned to have sidewalks and traffic calming in conjunction with the County of Morris, so the new Ridgedale work will complement those future road improvements.

MDO: You said in your email that MHS alumni, currently in college and interning with the Borough, participate in construction projects like this one. Did any alumni participate in the Ridgedale Project?

VOGEL: Our student interns and at least six MHS alumni over the past three years (who had college experience in engineering) have assisted the Borough with items such as planning, noticing, estimating, and two rounds of state grant coordination for the Ridgedale project. The Madison students seem to enjoy the work experience, and it’s always nice to see them accomplish significant tasks.

MDO: Why has construction taken so long?

VOGEL: This final phase of municipally bid construction has a contract duration of 100 days and expends public funds of approximately $1 million. There have been several public interest groups interested in special improvements. There have been many public hearings that are required by the public process for general information, budgeting, grant commitments, appropriating funds and closing contracts. Separate contracts have to comply with State Public Contract laws. It has been an extended process that required coordination of many interests but it is nearly complete and should remain in good condition for another 15-20 years as a result of the effort. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience in the process.

In an earlier email, Vogel also mentioned the specifics of what is happening on Ridgedale. The gas main had to be replaced, and when that was finished, the road had to be repaved. Plans were also developed in 2013 for improving the curb, sidewalks, storm sewers, and signage, which are all happening on Ridgedale. The construction on Ridgedale overall has been long and frustrating, but it is due to the necessity and difficulty of the work.