Cherry Hill Township will be spending $3 million on the road maintenance and reconstruction program.
According to communications director Bridget Palmer, the township plans for the reconstruction annually.
“We’re good about managing each of these projects, and they will get done in the next calendar year,” Palmer said.
The township maintains approximately 260 miles of municipal roadway, excluding the main highways Route 38, Route 70 and Brace Road.
“It’s a huge undertaking every year but it’s important that we do it,” Palmer said. “We believe this will benefit everyone in the long run.”
Currently, the township is wrapping up the 2012 project, which cost the township approximately $2.5 million.
Oakley Court, Howard Road and Dell Drive are in the process of being paved. Howard Road had some utility work that needed to be completed before the rest of the paving could be taken care of.
According to Palmer, the township is going out to bid for the 2013 program and work is slated to begin at the end of September, possibly the beginning of October.
“We try to notify the residents before construction begins with door hangers,” Palmer said.
During construction, pothole patches will be filled in addition to patch fixes, depending on the stability of the road.
Additionally, curb repairs will be done.
Isolated concrete repairs, storm drain repairs and the handicapped ramps will be fixed where needed.
“This year, we’ve added a facet to our engineering program,” Palmer said. “We have a microsurfacing machine, which basically allows roads that are structurally sound where they can mill just the surface of the road and do a repaving.”
It fills in cracks in the surface of a road, which is deemed structurally sound by the engineers.
“These things they do across the board ultimately makes our roads smoother and safer to travel, and especially with these microsurfacing and hot patches, it extends the surface of our roads,” Palmer said. “It extends the life of our roads and maximizes the use of our funds.”
This year, American Water will be doing a lot of work along Country Club Drive. Upon completion of the project, American Water has agreed to repave and repair the road.
“It enhances the roads that will be repaved this year,” Palmer said.
The work on Country Club Drive is scheduled for early fall.
Route 70 to High Gate Lane will be paved separate from the $3 million being used for the maintenance program through municipal aid, $196,000, provided by the state.
The project will be completed in multiple phases.
“We’re ready to start phase one at the end of the summer,” Palmer said. “There was money specifically applied for.”
Municipal funding for the second phase of the project, High Gate to Evans Lane, has been awarded.
The township has no timeline on the second phase.
“We will continue to apply for funds to complete the project to Cropwell Road,” Palmer said. “It goes back to safety, and we believe that by investing and inventorying the roads, you avoid the larger costs you incur in an emergency situation.”
