Construction updates

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is continuing the construction phase for the Rebuild By Design Hudson River Project – Resist Alignment Coastal Defense Contract. The following is an anticipated work schedule for the upcoming week. Schedules may change due to unforeseen weather or subsurface conditions.

Preliminary field work will continue in the Resist – North and South Work Area the week of October 28, 2024, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

RESIST - NORTH

Work Activities

• Install mud slab, forms, and concrete (Garden Street/Alley from 14^th to 15^th – Hoboken)
• Utility installation/relocations (15^th Street between Park Ave and Bloomfield Street – Hoboken)
• Office trailer storage and short-term vehicles parking (1501 Shipyard Lane – Hoboken)

RESIST - SOUTH

Work Activities

• Install forms and concrete (Washington Street from Observer Highway to Newark Street – Hoboken)
• Install forms and concrete (Hoboken – NJ Transit Yard)
• Excavate test pits and footings, install support of excavation (Marin Boulevard, Jersey City)

Traffic Management

• 15Street will be closed from Park Avenue to Bloomfield Street 24/7. See below for further information.
• Adjustments to the existing traffic pattern may be required and will be coordinated with Hoboken PD.
• The community will be advised of any temporary parking changes via No-Parking signs at least 3 days in advance.
• Please note that you may also see crew members performing survey work in select locations.

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15^th Street Road Closure:  

15^th Street will be closed from Park Avenue to Bloomfield Street to through-traffic 24/7 through approximately mid-December 2024. Local traffic will be maintained to the two parking garages located at 1450 Park Ave (Park + Garden) and 1450 Bloomfield St (LAZ Parking) as well as the surface parking lot at 1500 Garden Street. Full details on the closure, detour, parking, and loading changes are available here in the City’s announcement.

The project will also temporarily expand the work zone on the Southwest corner of 15^th Street at Garden Street to install stormwater infrastructure. This work will begin on or around October 28 and last approximately through November 6. The southern sidewalk on 15^th Street at Garden Street will be closed for this work, with construction fencing extending from the street to the building. Tenants will still have access to the Garden Street entrance of 1500 Garden Street from the south via Garden Street Mews and 14^th Street. The ramp to access 1500 Garden Street and adjacent bicycle racks will remain accessible from the south.  

The variable message sign notice board currently located on 15th Street will be updated to inform the public.

For more information about this project, see the City’s FAQ page here:  https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/rebuild-by-design-hudson-river-project-faq.

Project Background

The Rebuild by Design - Hudson River Project is a comprehensive urban stormwater management program that takes a multi-faceted approach intended to address flooding from both major storm surge and high tide as well as from heavy rainfall events. These events often occur individually, but can also occur together, increasing their impacts. The program includes four components: Resist, Delay, Store and Discharge.  

The NJDEP is implementing the Resist component of the project concept, while the City of Hoboken has and continues to lead efforts implementing the Delay, Store and Discharge components. This portion of construction is Phase II of the Resist component. Phase I included implementation of Sewer System Modifications (SSM) and was completed in July 2022. Phase II will include the construction of the Resist Alignment, a floodwall and levee system aimed to protect the Project Area from coastal flooding threats associated with storm surge. Construction for Phase II is beginning with the current test pitting work being described above.  

This United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is funding the project, allocating $230 million to the overall Rebuild by Design Hudson River Project. Additional funding has been allocated to this project through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program and through an American Rescue Plan Covid State Fiscal Recovery Funding allocation.

QUESTIONS?  If you have questions, or would like to learn more about the project, please contact your Community Construction Liaison Isabella Brascetta | 1-800-252-0219 | rbdhinquiries@portal3.pbid.com

In efforts to improve water flow redundancy, Jersey City MUA is replacing water mains along Marin Boulevard between 18th Street to Observer Highway. The project will consist of the installation of a new 12” water main to service properties in Jersey City and a new 24” water main that will create an additional interconnection for the City of Hoboken.  

The following construction activities and traffic management are anticipated to take place the week of October 28, 2024, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by JCMUA contractor J. Fletcher Creamer.

Work Activities:  

• Contractors will be excavating for valve installation and future interconnection work on Observer Highway/Newark Street between Grove Street and Henderson Street between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  

Traffic Management:  

• On Monday (10/28), Newark Street will be closed in both directions between Grove Street and Henderson Street. Traffic will detour onto Henderson Street and Grove Street.  
• On Tuesday (10/29) through Thursday (10/31), the intersection of Observer Highway and Henderson Street will be closed. Westbound traffic will detour onto Henderson Street and eastbound traffic will detour onto Grove Street and Madison Street. The northbound lane on Marin/Henderson Street will be closed between 18^th Street in Jersey City and Observer Highway in Hoboken.
• On Friday (11/1) during work hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Newark Street (North of the barrier) at the intersection of Jefferson Street will be closed. Traffic will be detoured onto Madison Street and Adams Street.  
• Oversized truck traffic will be re-routed during this project.
• Hoboken and Jersey City Police Officers will be on site to assist with detours, truck and local traffic control, and pedestrian safety.
• Detour and variable messaging signs will also be in place ahead of the closures.  

The Madison Street Area Infrastructure Improvements project will help mitigate localized flooding from rain events. The project scope includes replacing existing inlets, sewers, and water lines as well as elevating roadways, curbs, and sidewalks within the area. These improvements will alleviate the primary concerns by conveying stormwater into the sewer system.  

Work on the Madison Street Area Infrastructure Improvements will require parking restrictions, partial road closures, and an eventual 24-hour closure of Madison Street toward the beginning of December. Area residents will be kept apprised of the work and impacts on their quality of life.  

The following work and traffic management activities are anticipated for Tuesday, October 29 through Friday, November 1 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.:

Work Activities:

• Water main installation on 11th Street from Monroe Street to Madison Street from Tuesday (10/29) through Friday (11/1).

Traffic Management:

• No-Parking will be allowed on 11^th Street from Madison Street to Monroe Street.
• One-lane of traffic will remain open at all times.  
• The sidewalk will be closed on the south side of 11^th Street between Monroe Street and Madison Street.
• HPD will be on-site to assist with traffic management during construction.
  

‍On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Sinatra Drive will be closed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The closure will extend from the gazebo north of Sinatra Park and Sinatra Drive North. These closures will allow crews to set-up a temporary traffic pattern which is described below. Traffic will be detoured onto Hudson Street and Washington Street. Traffic will be detoured onto Hudson Street and Washington Street. Detour signs will be posted and Hoboken Police Officers will be on site to assist with traffic control and pedestrian safety.

Project Background/Temporary traffic pattern: 

On June 15, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., a sinkhole was discovered along the Hudson River waterfront walkway, in Hoboken. While City marine engineers conduct geotechnical borings along the eastern portion of Sinatra Drive that will inform the engineering design for the permanent rehabilitation of certain waterfront structures.

The geotechnical investigation is expected to last until mid-November, followed by engineering design and permitting, which are anticipated to be complete this year. Construction for the permanent rehabilitation of certain waterfront structures is anticipated early next year, followed by construction of the Sinatra Drive Rehabilitation Project.  

These temporary traffic changes were made in consultation with key stakeholders, including Hudson County, NJ Transit, Stevens Institute of Technology, the Hoboken City Council, and the City’s departments and divisions of Public Safety, Engineering, Transportation & Parking, and Parks, Recreation, & Public Works.

The City is also working with private property owners with public easements along the northern areas of the waterfront to ensure they complete the necessary inspections and rehabilitation work on certain waterfront structures. Barricades will be removed from these affected areas when certified by their marine engineers.  

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Underground Utilities Corp. is installing new high level storm sewers and a force main within the northeast portion of the City of Hoboken. These sewers will be connected into the stormwater storage tank at the Northwest Resiliency Park and the force main will connect from the H6/H7 pump station to the NHSA’s existing outfall in 15^th Street.

The following construction activities and traffic management are anticipated to take place from Monday, October 28, 2024, through Friday, November 1, 2024, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. by Underground Utilities Corp.

‍Construction Activities:

• Investigation of Trunk Sewer on 15^th Street between Jefferson and Adams Street
• Work at the NWRP Pump Station on 13^th Street between Adams and Jefferson Streets
• Installation of Force-main and Gravity Sewer on Adams between 13^th and 14^th Streets  

Traffic Management:

• Adams Street between 13^th Street and 14^th Street will be closed to through traffic during the day from 10/28 to 11/1.
• No parking signs will be placed on both sides of 15^th Street between Adams Street and Jefferson Street from 10/28 through 11/1.
• No parking signs will be placed on both sides of 13^th Street between Jefferson and Adams Streets from 10/28 through 11/1.
• There may be partial impacts to the sidewalks on 13^th Street between Adams and Jefferson Streets in the work area, however, safe passage for pedestrian traffic will be provided at all times.
• ‍24/7 No parking signs will be placed on both sides of Adams Street between 13^th Street and 14^th Street from 10/28 through 11/1.
• There may be partial impacts to the sidewalks on Adams Street between 13^th and 14^th Streets in the Work area, however, safe passage for pedestrian traffic will be provided at all times.
• Hoboken Police will be present on site to assist in traffic redirection and pedestrian safety.

Underground Utilities Corporation will be installing new sewer lines and curb inlets will be installed to alleviate drainage and potential flooding issues in Northwest Hoboken. The goal of this project is to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSO’s) and improve the water quality of the Hudson River.  

No work activities or traffic management is anticipated for the week of October 28, 2024.

In accordance with the lease between the City of Hoboken and NY Waterway for its temporary operations at the former Union Dry Dock site (901 Sinatra Dr.), NY Waterway will begin constructing approved site alterations within their leasehold area of the site. The initial construction work as part of the project will involve electrical improvements.  

In accordance with the license agreement between the City of Hoboken and NJDEP, NJDEP and its contractor, EE Cruz, for the RBD-HR project will be using a portion of the former Union Dock Site (901 Sinatra Dr.) for equipment and materials storage.

Work Activities:

• NY Waterway's contractor, will be installing in-water timber piles as part of the site improvements for temporary operations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The piles, crane, equipment, and materials will be delivered via tug and barge. As the piles will be driven underwater using vibratory pile driving equipment, noise and vibration impacts are anticipated to be minimal.
• A NY Waterway ferry vessel may be berthed at the southern pier of the former Union Dry Dock site. No maintenance work will be performed.  

Plans to expand Southwest Resiliency Park are part of Hoboken’s Rebuild by Design (“RBD”) - Hudson River Project and the City’s comprehensive water management strategy to delay, store, and discharge stormwater during intense rain events. The project is funded through a $6.24 million dollar grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The expanded park will include above ground green infrastructure and an underwater detention system to withhold 328,000 gallons of stormwater caused by heavy precipitation.    

The following work and traffic management activities are anticipated for the week of October 28, 2024:

Work Activities:

• Soil Removal Activities
• Pile Cap work for the pump station

Traffic Management Activities:  

• No traffic impacts are anticipated for this week.

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The City of Hoboken is restoring the City Hall portico and waterproofing its foundation.

The second phase of the City Hall portico restoration project builds upon the stone patching, roofing tile, and framing replacements completed in 2020 by now repointing and restoring the original masonry. Construction for the portico restoration project is anticipated to last approximately seven months. Construction for the foundation waterproofing is anticipated to last approximately two months.

The following work activities for these two projects at City Hall are anticipated to occur during the week of October 28, 2024.  

Work Activities:

‍Foundation Waterproofing

Installing drainage pipes, repairing masonry, and installing waterproofing membrane along the foundation wall at the Northeast corner of City Hall.

Portico Restoration

Masonry, mortar, and stone repair mock-ups.

Selective demolition.  

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‍Traffic Management:

The Washington Street entrance to Hoboken City Hall will be closed for the duration of the Portico Restoration project. Hoboken community members must enter and exit City Hall through the Newark Street entrance located between Washington Street and Bloomfield Street.

Portions of the sidewalk on First Street between Washington Street and Bloomfield Street will be closed to pedestrian traffic during construction hours.  Pedestrians should follow posted detours.  

Temporary parking changes to portions of First Street and Bloomfield Street adjacent to City Hall are anticipated during construction. The community will be advised of any temporary parking changes via No-Parking signs at least 3 days in advance.