NEWARK CITY SOUTH AND ADAMS STREETS DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

Newark City recently completed clean water improvements that are being financed with over $4 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate financing program jointly administered by the DEP and the NJ I-Bank. Total savings for this project are estimated to be 2,260,844 over the 30-year term of the loan or 56% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 48 direct construction jobs. 

During wet weather, the combination of storm water and wastewater in the combined sewer system (CSS) may exceed the capacity of the treatment plant. The excess flow is discharged directly to a waterway through the permitted outfalls. The combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharge includes a combination of raw sewage, and commercial and industrial pollutants. 

At South and Adams Streets, the design incorporated roadway reconstruction, resurfacing, sidewalk, curb and ADA curb ramps, new drainage inlets, manholes, and green infrastructure to alleviate flooding. On Adams Street the combined sewer was separated. New inlets, manholes, pipes, and a pump station were installed on South Street to alleviate flooding at the end of Avenue C by redirecting flow.

Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, discussed the benefits of this project "Which will improve the existing drainage system within two drainage areas that are hydraulically connected to a CSS. This project will address safety, health, traffic impediments and water quality concerns. The implementation of green infrastructure will also reduce peak flow and improve water quality."

This project was designed by Baker International and constructed by CMS Construction.

Picture courtesy of Michael Baker International