PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. – The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission today announced the completion of a three-month-long slope stabilization and rock-fall mitigation project along the exit ramp that carries traffic from Route 22 east to Main and Broad streets in Phillipsburg, N.J.
The project addressed a variety of hazardous conditions along Commission-owned portions of the steep slope that runs adjacent to the exit ramp (first New Jersey exit) east of the Easton-Phillipsburg (Route 22) Toll Bridge. The major project element was the construction of a two-tier rock-fall catchment system along the length of the rocky, wooded slope.
A series of off-peak-travel-time ramp closures and detours were used early on in the project when the contractor removed fallen tree trunks, dying or precarious trees, loose rocks, debris and old, ineffective chain link fencing from the hillside.
After this initial phase was completed, the contractor moved to actual slope stabilization and hazard mitigation work, notably the installation of upper and lower catch fences along the slope. The containment system consists of high-capacity steel components and wire mesh. Each run of catch fencing was anchored into the slope and reinforced with support cables. Final field activities for the project were completed May 10.
The project was undertaken to mitigate rock falls and tree slides that potentially could have put motorists and pedestrians at risk. In November 2013, a tree uprooted and partially slid down the slope presenting a safety issue. Rocks of various sizes also periodically have come loose and fallen into the roadway at the location.
