By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
What’s going on with all this road work? Why is it happening? When will it all be over?
If you’re a Pennsauken resident, you’ve most likely been asking these questions aloud regarding the PSE&G Southern Reinforcement Project, which is currently upgrading overhead and underground electric transmission circuits in Camden and Gloucester Counties. Parts of the existing southern New Jersey infrastructure date back to the 1930s, when the devices used in businesses and homes did not rely on as much electrical power as compared to today. This $435 million upgrade of the transmission systems to handle 230kV will relieve transmission systems overloads, provide better power quality and reduce transmission system congestion experienced in the region.
Initial estimates from PSE&G, highlighted in the February 2014 edition of All Around Pennsauken, had the majority of the milling and paving of roadways throughout Pennsauken and Merchantville completed by the summer.
So what happened? As PSE&G did the excavation work to begin installing the new underground transmission circuit, they found a large number of gas services connected from the main line to the houses that needed to be replaced, and in some cases moved.
“The gas services needed to be upgraded and replaced,” says Douglas Anthony, senior communications consultant for PSE&G. “That’s why the restoration of the streets and the sidewalks has been delayed, as we had to dig under them to take care of the gas lines.”
PSE&G went on to say that when doing underground work, it’s a good construction practice to wait two to three months, even though the soil was compacted, to let everything settle before milling and paving the roads.
Where The Project Stands Now
Work on the first underground transmission circuit, which begins at the Camden Switching Station, located behind the Pennsauken Police Station and runs to the Cuthbert Blvd. Substation, is complete. Work on the second new electric underground transmission circuit between the Camden Switching Station and the Gloucester Switching Station, located in Gloucester City, is ongoing. The work route includes Madison Ave., Cove Rd., Centre St., Harvey Ave., Horner Ave., Rogers Ave., Merchantville Ave., Cedar Ave., Whitman Terrace, Browning Rd., Garden Ave., Caroline Ave., under Routes 38 and 70 to Holmcrest Rd., Browning Rd., Park Ave., and Rt. 130. The circuit then makes its way to Gloucester City. As part of this project, PSE&G has to relocate gas mains under the sidewalks. Once work is complete, PSE&G will come back and replace sidewalks, damaged curbs and driveways along the project.
PSE&G has employed several contractors to handle the road work; each is responsible for specific sections of road throughout Merchantville and Pennsauken. As work on milling and paving continues to move forward, it won’t be uncommon to have one contractor begin to pave a street, stop half way, and then have another contractor pick up the work from that point.
As for timing, PSE&G estimates that the milling and paving work for the finished first circuit will be completed by year’s end, with the remainder of the work wrapping up in 2015. Weather permitting, the project will be finished sometime in the spring.
PSE&G understands that the project, while ultimately beneficial, has been causing significant traffic issues; they are working as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete the work. “We are grateful to the residents of Pennsauken Township, your elected and appointed officials, professionals, public safety departments, traffic control units, recreation department, public works and water and sewer departments for their understanding, patience, cooperation and consideration during our construction,” adds Anthony. “This project will provide reliable electric power for our customers in Pennsauken Township and the region.”
For more information about this project, call (866) 507-5961 or visit pseg.com/srp.
