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.

On or about April 14, 2025, the DEP will close Jersey Avenue at 18th Street in Jersey City, at the border Hoboken, for the eventual construction of the Reist structure’s sliding gate across Jersey Ave. The gate will be deployed during storm surge events and will connect to the nearly 5,000-foot-long southern resist structure that will prevent water from the Hudson River from entering the City.  Please see below for more information on the upcoming closure of Jersey Avenue in Jersey City.

The following activities are anticipated to take place during the week of April 14th, 2025, to April 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

‍RESIST – SOUTH:

NJT (Hoboken)

• Forms and Concrete Footing Pour
• Underground Grout Columns

18th St between Marin Blvd and Washington St. (Jersey City)

• Drill micro piles

HBLR South (Jersey City)

• Mud Slab, Forms and Concrete

Jersey Ave (Jersey City/Hoboken)

• Install MPT
• Install Box Culvert

Newark St (Hoboken)

• Striping roadway

RESIST – NORTH:

Alleyway from Bloomfield Street to Washington Street (Hoboken)

• PSEG Electric Relocation
• Forms and Concrete Pour

Harborside Park (Hoboken)

• Retaining Walls Forms and Concrete

HBLR North of 19th Street (Weehawken)

• Forms and Concrete Pour

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‍Traffic Impacts/Management:

• Jersey Avenue will be closed 24/7 between 18^tth Street in Jersey City and Harrison Street in Hoboken.  
• There will be no vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian access on that portion of Jersey Avenue.  
• Hoboken, Jersey City, and Hudson County have implemented traffic mitigation measures, which can be found here: https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/city-of-hoboken-announces-traffic-mitigation-efforts-ahead-of-anticipated-njdep-rebuild-by-design-construction-in-southwest-hoboken
• DEP is coordinating with Hoboken PD, Weehawken PD, and Jersey City PD for traffic control.  
• There may be adjustments to the existing traffic pattern, as needed.
• 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.  

JERSEY AVENUE CLOSURE

As part of Resist - South construction, the DEP will close Jersey Avenue at 18th Street in Jersey City, at the border Hoboken. This will impact traffic in and out of Southwest Hoboken. City of Hoboken administration, planners, and engineers, along with the Hoboken Police Department and Office of Emergency Management have been working with the DEP, Jersey City, Hudson County, contractors, and other stakeholders to establish and implement traffic mitigation efforts. For more information, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/city-of-hoboken-announces-traffic-mitigation-efforts-ahead-of-anticipated-njdep-rebuild-by-design-construction-in-southwest-hoboken.  

More on the Jersey Avenue closure can be found on the NJDEP Rebuild by Design website at: rbdh-faqs-jersey-ave-closure.pdf

The DEP recently held a public information meeting to discuss the project, explain the need for road closures, and lay-out mitigation plans. That meeting is available to view here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDLjhv4t2Ds&feature=youtu.be

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

Jersey City will conduct milling and paving operations overnight on Henderson Street / Marin Boulevard, beginning this evening, Monday, April 14.

Work will be conducted between 18th Street in Jersey City and Observer Highway in Hoboken according to the following schedule:

• April 14: 10 PM – 5 AM: Manhole casting reset
• April 15: 10 PM – 6 AM: Milling and paving operations

During this time, the contractor will maintain alternate lane traffic, and the Observer Highway and Henderson Street intersection will remain open to eastbound and westbound vehicular traffic. Hoboken police officers will be on site.

Drivers are advised to expect delays, follow posted detours, and leave extra travel time.

As a reminder, Jersey Avenue is closed 24/7 by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for construction of the Rebuild by Design – Hudson River (RBDH) project’s Resist structure.

For more information on the project to prevent storm surge flooding, as well as traffic mitigation efforts during construction, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/city-of-hoboken-announces-traffic-mitigation-efforts-ahead-of-anticipated-njdep-rebuild-by-design-construction-in-southwest-hoboken.

The Waterfront Reconstruction Project (formerly known as the Sinatra Drive Seawall Rehabilitation Project) will replace the aging and eroding concrete seawall beneath portions of Sinatra Drive and the Hoboken waterfront walkway. The project focuses on stabilizing and replacing the seawall and walkway along the eastern portion of Sinatra Drive, from the gazebo near Seventh Street to the skate park near Ninth Street, where erosion is most severe. This initiative is part of a larger effort to ensure the safety and longevity of the waterfront infrastructure.  

Mobilization activities will begin on April 7, 2025 and on or about, April 10, 2025, a new traffic pattern will be put into place to allow for construction which will include the closure of the eastern lane of Sinatra Drive from approximately Fifth Street north to approximately Sinatra Drive North. This closure will be in effect 24/7. No southbound traffic will be permitted. Southbound drivers must instead use Hudson Street. The western lane of Sinatra Drive will be open to northbound vehicles. In addition, the sidewalk on Sinatra Drive in the construction area, will be closed to pedestrians 24/7 in the construction area.  

Construction and closures are anticipated to last through fall of 2025.

More on the Waterfront Reconstruction Project can be found here: https://local.nixle.com/alert/11502705/?sub_id=0

The following work activities and traffic impacts/management are anticipated the week of April 14, 2025 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.: 

Work activities:

• Mobilization of construction equipment and staging
• Demolition of surface infrastructure and removal of street furniture (trash bins, benches, etc.)

Traffic impacts:

• No southbound traffic will be allowed on Sinatra Drive from Sinatra Drive North through Fifth Street.
• Southbound traffic will detour to Hudson and/or Washington Street.
• Oversized trucks will detour to Washington Street.
• Northbound lanes will remain open to vehicular traffic, and emergency vehicles.  
• The sidewalk will be closed to pedestrians on both sides of Sinatra Drive between Fifth Street and Sinatra Drive North.

Traffic Management:

• Hoboken Police will be on site from 6 a.m. through 12 a.m.
• Temporary No Parking signs will be posted in advance of any parking restrictions in the construction area.

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 requires a 24/7 closure of Madison Street between 10^th and 11^th Streets, as well as parking restrictions.   Area residents will be kept apprised of the work and impacts on their quality of life.

Read more about this project here: https://local.nixle.com/alert/11321929/.

The following work and traffic management activities are anticipated for Monday, April 14^th through Friday, April 18^th between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.:

Work Activities:

Madison St between 10^th and 11^th Street  

• Maintain sewer bypass.

• Reconnect existing sewer laterals to new sewer.

• Continue backfilling new sewer and water main.

• Install new fire hydrant.

• Install new street light foundations and conduits.

• Install new curb on the east side (1000 Jefferson) and west side (Shoprite) of Madison St.

• Install new sidewalk on the west side (Shoprite) of Madison St.

• Demo existing sidewalk at east side (1000 Jefferson) of Madison St.

• PSE&G to install gas line on Tuesday 04/15/2025 (weather depending).

Madison St between 9^th and 10^th Street  

• Demo existing roadway pavement for helical pile installation.

• Start Installing Helical Piles.

Traffic Management:

• Full closure on Madison St between 10^th and 11^th Streets.

• No-Parking on Madison St between 9^th and 10^th Street.

• A lane will remain open for travel between 9^th to 10^th.

• HPD will be on-site to assist with traffic management during construction.

‍Citi Bike Docking Station Temporarily Relocated

As part of the traffic management plan for the Madison Street Infrastructure Improvement project, Citi Bike will temporarily relocate the docking station at Madison St & 10th Street to the northeast corner of Monroe Street & 10th Street. The docking station will stay at that location until the end of April. Temporary No Parking Signs will be posted on parts of the east side of Monroe Street during the relocation.  

The Citi Bike docking station relocation is required to maintain access to bike share during the Madison Street resiliency and utility construction project (NHSA Madison Areawide Infrastructure Improvement Project).  

The City of Hoboken is moving forward with plans to improve and upgrade Church Square Park. The upgrades will include a new inclusive toddler playground in the southwest portion of the park, a new open lawn area in place of the old toddler playground, a landscaped buffer along the existing dog run, and the addition of new public restrooms. The improvements will be consistent with the park's historic character and were identified by the public during preparation of the Church Square Park Vision Plan.

For more information on the Church Square Park Vision Plan and Improvement Project see here: https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/church-square-park-vision-plan\

The following work and traffic management activities are anticipated for the week of April 14, 2025, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:  

Work Activities  

• Continue pneumatic excavation around existing trees under the guidance of Licensed Tree Expert

• Water and Sewer Utility Connections on Garden Street at Fourth Street for future utility structure.

Traffic Management Activities  

• Temporary No Parking signs posted will be in place on Garden Street between 4th and 5^th Streets.

• Full closure on Garden Street between 4th and 5^th Streets during construction between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to perform utility work.  Garden Street will reopen fully between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m.

• HPD will be on site for traffic direction.  

• Pedestrian detour signage will be in place around the work zone.

Pedestrian Access Restrictions

• The Park Entrance at Willow Avenue and 4^th Street will be closed until mid-June.

• The Park Entrance at Garden Street and 5^th Street will be temporarily closed during utility work operations. Signs will be posted.

• Temporary Sidewalk closures will be in effect at times. Signs will be posted.

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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 15th Street.

Anticipated Construction Activities and Traffic Management for the NHSA H6/H7 Phase 2 Project for the period of 04/14/2025 through 04/18/2025 is as follows:  

Construction Activities  

• Working on louvers, pipe rails and painting for the pumps at the NWRP Pump Station on 13th Street between Adams and Jefferson Streets

• Installation of bollards, concrete curb, and sidewalk work under the viaduct at the intersection of 14th and Adams Street

• Installation of curbs and curb walls between 14^th and 15th Street on Adams Street

Traffic Management

• Adams Street between 13th and 15th Streets will be closed to thru traffic for curb and sidewalk work, but open to thru traffic at night.

• 15th Street will have traffic going east and westbound from Adams Street to Willow Avenue. Flow will resume as normal.

• HPD officers will be present at all intersections within work zones.

• 24/7 no parking signs will be in place on both sides of Adams Street between 13th and 15th Streets.

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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.

The following construction activities and traffic management are anticipated to take place from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18, 2025, by Underground Utilities Corp.:  

Construction Activities

15^th Street between Jefferson Street and Adams Street

• Installation of piles, pile caps, and concrete cradles at the intersection of 15th Street and Jefferson Street

• Installation of 24” & 20" Sewer pipe at the intersection of 15th Street and Jefferson Street

• Installation of manholes at the intersection of 15th Street and Jefferson Street

13^th Street and Jefferson Street

• Installation of piles, pile caps, and concrete cradles along Jefferson Street

• Installation of 36" Sewer pipe at the intersection of 13th Street and Jefferson Street

• Installation of manholes and inlets along Jefferson Street

‍Traffic Management

Madison Street between 14^th Street and 15^th Street

• No parking (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) both sides of the street and at the intersections

• Road closed during working hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• 15th Street between Jefferson Street and Grand Street

• HPD Officers will be present on site to assist in traffic redirection.

• No parking (24 hours, 7 days/week) signs will be placed on both sides of 15th Street between Madison Street and Adams Street.

• Road closed during working hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

• Trucks will be re-routed on truck detour route.

• Academy Bus Services will have access to their parking lots.

Jefferson Street between 13th Street and 14th Street

• No parking (24 hours, 7 days/week) both sides of the street

• Municipal Parking Lot to be open and accessible for the City of Hoboken personnel only

• The road is closed to traffic 24/7.

• 13^th Street between Jefferson and Madison

• No parking (24 hours, 7 days/week) along 13th Street between Jefferson Street and Madison Street (both sides of the street)

• Roadway open to traffic as this is the truck detour route

Truck Route Diversion

• All truck route diversion signs to be in place for the re-directed temporary truck route (Willow Street South bound, to 13th Street west bound, to Madison south bound).

City contractor William J. Guarini, Inc. will be making repairs to the water spray area of ResilienCity Park. The scope of work includes demolition and abandonment of existing fountain infrastructure, a new water connection, installation of new fountain equipment, and the repair and replacement of adjacent pavement and stairs. This work is anticipated to be complete, and the spray pad reopened, by Memorial Day.

The following work and traffic management activities are anticipated for this week:

• Installation of Fountain Piping and Conduit

Traffic Impacts and Management Activities  

• None (all work within site limits)

As part of PSE&G’s proactive vegetation management program, PSE&G will be trimming trees that are close to power lines on utility poles alongside Hoboken streets. PSE&G vegetation management works on a four-year maintenance cycle, during which trees are pruned or removed to maintain an adequate distance from power lines and to allow for regrowth until the next cycle. To ensure the maximum health and beauty of New Jersey's trees, PSE&G has certified arborists and licensed tree experts on staff overseeing all tree trimming work. Residents can learn more about PSE&G’s vegetation management program here.  

No work is currently scheduled during the week of April 14, 2025.

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:

Work Activities:

• Utility Structure Slab on Grade
• Fence and Curb Wall Post Footings
• Playground Equipment Footings

Traffic Management Activities  

• None – all work within site limits.

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.

The following work and traffic management activities are anticipated for this week: 

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.
• NY Waterway may berth multiple ferry vessels at the southern piers of the former Union Dry Dock site. No maintenance work will be performed.  
• NY Waterway may berth a ferry vessel on the southern side of the northern pier to facilitate work by a contractor on the adjacent piers.  
• NY Waterway’s contractor will be installing electrical site improvements, including new pedestrian-level lighting on the piers.  

Phase two of the City Hall Portico Restoration Project builds upon the stone patching, roofing tile, and framing replacements, which were completed in 2020 by 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 complete.  

The following work activities and impacts are anticipated for this week: 

Work Activities  

• Installation of new bannisters

• Demolition of the stairway

Traffic and Pedestrian Impacts:

• The Washington Street sidewalk between Newark Street and First Street will be closed during construction, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to allow for the transport of demolition debris from the site to a mason dump truck parked on Washington Street from Tuesday, April 15 through April 18.  

• 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.

• Pedestrians should follow detours during periods when sidewalks in the are closed for safety reasons. Signs will be posted, and barricades will be in place.

The Hoboken Yard Redevelopment Plan will revitalize southeastern sections of Hoboken, including the Hoboken Terminal and the area around it. The Hoboken Connect project, within the redevelopment Plan area which is being overseen by LCOR, will include a new NJ Transit bus terminal including an indoor market, the rehabilitation of the Ferry Terminal and Warrington Plaza, the rehabilitation of Hudson Place which will turn parts of the road into a pedestrian and retail plaza, as well as  the development of an office building and a residential building that incorporates affordable housing units.  

On Monday, Dec. 23, the Consigli Construction Company began construction on the first phase of Hoboken Connect, a 28-story residential building at 111 Observer Hwy, between Washington and Bloomfield Streets. This project will require the temporary relocation of NJ Transit bus stops on both sides of Observer Highway between Washington and Bloomfield Streets to between Bloomfield and Garden Streets. Bike lanes will also temporarily be relocated from the south curbside of Observer Hwy between Bloomfield Street and Washington Street to the north curbside of the same block.  The sidewalk and bike lanes along the south curbside of Observer Highway between Bloomfield Street and Washington Street will be closed to pedestrians and these changes are expected to be in place through approximately December of 2026.

This project will also require the temporary removal of bicycle parking on Hudson Place between Hudson Street and River Street starting March 27, 2025. New temporary bike parking/racks will be added along Hudson Street. Read more on the temporary changes here: http://local.nixle.com/alert/11466871/  

Construction Activities

• Drilling of geothermal wells within the boundaries of the construction fence.
• Micro pile/caisson drilling will continue within the boundaries of the construction fence.
• Concrete pours will be scheduled 2-3 days to pour caissons.  
• Sitework contractor will be trucking excess soil.  
• Sitework contractor will be continuing test pits for future sanitary and water connections to locate potential obstructions and existing utilities. A portion of this work will be outside of the construction fence.

Traffic Management

• Construction flaggers will be present for intermittent truck traffic in and out of the site at the construction gates on Observer.
• Some deliveries are anticipated this week. They will be brought in through the construction gates on Observer. Construction flaggers will be used to back trucks into the site.