Bridge Profile:

The roadway vertical profile where the roadway crosses a bridge. Survey is used to assure that beam bearings are set to the proper elevation, so that beams and decks provide the proper riding surface elevations when constructed.

Collector-Distributor (CD) Roads:

A safe means of entering and exiting into the main traffic flow for major routes like Route 3.

Constructability Review:

An evaluation of proposed construction documents to verify that the project can be built safely as shown, traffic can be maintained during construction, and the purpose and needs of the project are met.

Contract Documents:

Plans and specifications which direct the contractor as to how to construct the project.

Environmental Assessment:

A study to determine site conditions such as historic structures, hazardous materials, archaeological sites, wetlands, environmental justice issues, and the effect of construction on them. Mitigation measures and obtaining permits are addressed during final design.

Feasibility Assessment Study:

A study to assess the practicality of certain alternative designs.

Final Scope Development:

The refinement of the Initial Preferred Alternative (IPA) based upon environmental studies, community input and the needs of the traveling public.

Geotechnical:

The application of geology to engineering; in this case the support of structures and roadways.

Initial Preferred Alternative (IPA):

IPA is the proposed roadway configuration identified during the Feasibility Assessment Review as being best suited for study during the Final Scope Development Stage.

Low Level Photography:

Low Level Photography is aerial photography taken at a relatively low altitude to obtain detailed mapping information.

North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA):

NJTPA is the agency coordinating transportation needs for the region.

Office of Community Relations (OCR):

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) bureau acting as liaison to local officials and citizens to learn and address their concerns.

Partnering Meetings:

Partnering is a project management system designed to lower costs and improve communication. From the initial partnering session to project closeout, meetings focus on the project itself and related issues at hand. The intent is to ensure that the business processes work as smoothly as possible, with the focus on the project itself. Participants typically include NJDOT, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), governmental agencies, local public officials, utility companies, mass transit agencies, and Chambers of Commerce.

Project-specific web site:

A web site devoted to a specific NJDOT project.

Resolution of Support:

A formal proclamation issued by the local governing body; it endorses the Project and requests the construction of noise walls as part of the Project. Clifton, Lyndhurst, and Rutherford have enacted Resolutions of Support.

Right of Way:

The land required to construct the project, provide wetlands mitigation, and provide access to adjacent properties if necessary.

Scoping Process:

The Final Scope Development Stage where the IPA is refined and environmental issues are investigated to determine if the approach is viable.

Smart Solution Alternative:

Alternative involving significant revisions to the project's scope, schedule, construction costs and project configuration derived during the project's preliminary design phase. The goal of the smart solution approach is to reduce cost while fulfilling the project needs. The project was split into smaller components to distribute costs over a longer time period and receive more competitive bidding.

Technical Environmental Studies:

Analysis of the effect of the project on air and noise quality, architectural and archaeological features, wetlands, parkland, and adjacent property owners.

Topographical Mapping:

Topographical Mapping is a precise detailed mapping of the ground surface and its features with regard to vertical and horizontal location.

Vertical Profile:

The mathematical line representing the riding surface of a roadway. This line is part of the Contract Documents and is established in the field by survey through an initial layout. Survey control during construction is provided to assure that the final conditions are in accordance with plans.

Wetlands Mitigation:

Measures such as the purchase of land that can be converted to wetlands which compensate for acquisition of wetlands areas need for construction Right of Way or easements.