Work Progressing On Perth Amboy Project

Kushner Companies is progressing on Phase I of The Landings at Harborside, a mixed-use development in Perth Amboy, N.J.

This summer, the company began the sewer work needed to launch the development of the first residential units within The Landings at Harborside and has secured all approvals for construction. The sewer/infrastructure work will continue throughout Phase I. The current work involves relocation of approximately 600 feet of 48-inch combined sanitary/storm sewer lines that flow approximately one-third of the sewage for the city of Perth Amboy. Pile driving for the first building will commence after sewer work is completed.

Work Begins on Thruway Connector

The first phase of an $80 million project to connect the New York State Thruway (I-87) with I-84 began. The project is designed to significantly reduce traffic congestion in Newburgh, N.Y.

Among the key features of the project are a direct connection between I-84 and the thruway, higher speed E-Z Pass lanes, a dedicated E-Z pass only lane for northbound traffic exiting the thruway to Route 17K, new state police offices and consolidation of two tandem trailer lots. Safety improvements include the complete separation of traffic entering and exiting both interstates, as well as the elimination of crossing movements by tandem trailer trucks and maintenance of vehicles.

The firm of KETCO of Glenmont, N.Y. is starting work on the first $8.2 million contract which will include the construction of new exit and entrance ramps between I-84 eastbound and Route 300, a new traffic signal on Route 300 and extending and widening the northbound thruway exit ramp.

Columbus Circle Station To Be Rehabbed

A joint venture of Parsons Brinckerhoff and Richard Dattner and Partners Architects has been awarded a contract from MTA New York City Transit to provide architectural and engineering design services for the rehabilitation of the 59th Street/Columbus Circle Station complex.

The project involves rehabilitation of the complex to a state of good repair and improvements including ADA accessibility throughout the complex, including elevators; reorganization of fare arrays to facilitate circulation; enhancement of the station environment for customers; creation of a retail gallery along the 57th Street concourse; and restoration of landmark elements within the IRT station.

Other program elements include new and wider stairs, new lighting, signage and new public toilet facilities. The project will include public art through the MTA Arts for Transit program. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2005 with completion slated for 2009.

Bridge Project Moving Forward

Preliminary engineering has been completed on a Metro North railroad bridge over Route 53 Grassy Plain Road in Bethel, Conn. The project has entered into the final design phase, according to the Conn. State Department of Transportation.

Metro North trains from the Danbury branch runs over the bridge. The rehabilitation will include the replacement of the existing bridge superstructure with the multibeam open deck system and abutment back walls. Also, to maintain the current vertical clearance of 11 feet 4 inches, "sacrificial beams" will be erected on each side of the bridge independent of the bridge superstructure by absorbing the impact from overheight vehicles. Construction is expected to begin spring 2004.

Proposal Could Generate $2B in Highway Funding

Legislation introduced in Congress to change the treatment of federal tax policy on ethanol supported motor fuel sales would generate more than $2 billion annually for highway and safety improvement projects, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

The association participated in a news conference organized by U.S. Reps. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., and Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., to discuss details of the legislation they have introduced that would compensate the Highway Trust Fund for foregone user fee revenue due to ethanol motor fuel sales. Other members of Congress participating in the event were Reps. John Boehner, R-Ohio, Charlie Stenholm, D-Texas, and Sam Graves, R-Mo.

The Renewable Fuels and Transportation Act of 2003 - as the proposal is called - would redirect revenue from the 2.5 cents per gallon ethanol excise currently deposited in the federal general fund to the HTF. It would also restructure the existing 5.2 cents per gallon user fee excise differential between ethanol fuels and straight gasoline through a general fund tax credit.