Award of Merit: Highways/Bridges
This $43-million project is the first phase of a $315-million bypass project to divert heavy traffic away from the center of Hillsborough, N.J. When completed, the project aims to return the existing Route 206 to a boulevard within the central business district and create a town center, something the township has long wanted. The Route 206 Bypass will also serve as an inter-modal link to potential future passenger rail service that New Jersey Transit is now studying.
A significant component of the first phase was a 230-ft, single-span bridge over CSX rail tracks. A 61-degree skew coupled with the long span length created a challenging design. A small stream crossed the bypass alignment on the rail bridge. To convey the stream beneath the bypass, a single-span precast concrete arch structure was specified.
To comply with State Historic Preservation Office requirements, various aesthetic treatments were specified including simulated cut rock. To minimize disturbance to sensitive environmental areas, the roadway was retained by tall proprietary retaining walls that were integrated with the ends of the arch.
Best Projects judges noted the team's coordination efforts on a project with such varied stakeholders. There was "large ownership overlap with the railroads with no accidents," said one judge.
Route 206 Bypass, Hillsborough, N.J.
Key Players
Owner New Jersey Dept. of Transportation
General Contractor Carbo Constructors Corp.
Lead Designer Dewberry
