County Rt. 539 Safety Improvements

SJH provided construction management services for the safety improvement activities along 33.4 miles of Ocean County Route 539. Safety improvements included centerline rumble strips, high-friction surface treatment applications for five horizontal curves, chip seal surface treatment for one mile of vertically curved roadway, guide rail improvements and realignments, pavement markings, and signage upgrades, including solar-powered radar, speed limit signs, and LED dynamic warning systems. This federally funded project complied with FHWA requirements. The project ran through environmentally sensitive areas of the Pine Barrens and met Pinelands Commission permitting requirements.

SJH inspectors conducted inspections of the rumble strip cutting operations. Centerline rumble strips were cut 0.5 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 1 foot on center over the pavement joint. Traffic striping and markings followed immediately. Upon completion, the entire rumble strip area was fog sealed. SJH inspectors ensured that the fog seal was applied at a rate between 0.06 and 0.13 gallons per square yard using a 1:1 CSS-h emulsion, and fine aggregate was applied immediately. SJH inspectors performed inspections of the placement of Polymer Cement Surface (PCS) and High Friction Surface (HFS) treatments for five horizontal curves. Inspectors verified that the existing surface was properly cleaned, temperatures were between 40°F and 105°F, and PCS was mechanically applied at a minimum coverage rate of 9 lbs of mixed material per square yard, followed immediately by aggregate at a rate of 16–22 lbs per square yard. SJH inspectors monitored chip seal applications to ensure strict compliance with plans and specifications. Full-width and shoulder chip seal pavement surface applications were required. Inspectors checked that pavement temperatures were at least 55°F and rising prior to placement. Polymer-modified emulsion material was evenly applied at 0.3–0.35 gallons per square yard at a temperature of 170°F, immediately followed by the application of pre-coated aggregate chips. Chip-sealed areas were compacted with pneumatic-tire rollers, and final rolling was completed with an 8–10 ton steel wheel roller.

SJH also inspected the installation of W-beam guide rails and confirmed they were installed at proper heights and alignments. Two-way butterfly-type guide rail delineators with bolt-on white reflectors (facing the right side of traffic) and yellow reflectors (facing the left side) were installed. Additionally, SJH inspectors performed inspections of sign upgrades, including the installation of solar-powered yellow signs displaying “Your Speed” in black letters to warn drivers exceeding the designated speed threshold.