COVID-19 UPDATE 16
NEW CONSTRUCTION RESTRICTIONS ISSUED TODAY BY GOVERNOR MURPHY
As we have reported to you, UTCA has been working with the Murphy Administration regarding new restrictions on construction operations. Governor Murphy announced the new restrictions today regarding the stoppage of all “non-essential” construction activities in New Jersey by 8:00 pm, Friday, April 10, 2020. As we anticipated infrastructure work is deemed “essential” and our projects will continue to be allowed to operate.
The following are categories of work to be deemed essential; however, when the Executive order is available, we believe the language contained in the order will provide more flexibility regarding the continuance of construction projects.
- Transportation projects, utility sector (both public & private) projects and most other public works projects.
- Construction necessary for the delivery of healthcare services, hospitals, Pharmacies, Pharmaceutical etc.
- School Construction
- Residential projects with affordable housing components
- Homeless shelter related projects
- Individual housing sites that can adhere to social distancing of workers on-site at any given time
- Work needed to safely secure a construction site
Other types of construction will also be deemed “essential," however, those details are still under development by the Administration.
Once Governor Murphy’s Executive Order is available, UTCA will provide further guidance to the industry.
NJ DOT AND NJ TURNPIKE ANNOUNCE SUSPENSION OF HOLIDAY WORK RESTRICTIONS
New Jersey Department of Transportation Officials have decided to suspend all lane closure restrictions for the upcoming holiday weekend. NJ DOT contracts typically contains language that restricts lane closure hours on the days leading up to, through and immediately after a holiday weekend to avoid creating additional traffic delays while motorists are driving to and from their holiday destinations. With traffic volumes down across the region as a result of business closures and government issued travel advisories,
there will be no Holiday lane closure restrictions for the Good Friday holiday weekend.
Contractors are advised to discuss the suspension of lane closure restrictions for this weekend with their project RE.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Officials have also decided to suspend its lane closure holiday restrictions, however, the suspension will be on a case-by-case basis on NJ Turnpike projects. Contractors should seek direction from Turnpike project managers.
NJ DOT ADDS DEPARTMENT REGIONAL CONTACTS TO ADMINISTER
THE TRIAL TEST ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS OF DC-18 FORMS
As we reported to you yesterday, The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) began a trial test to allow its contractors to submit digitally signed DC-18 forms. The test period will last for three months and originally was only applicable to the NJDOT Central Region projects.
The NJDOT has now decided to expand this trial process to ALL REGIONS.
As we previously noted, the DC-18 forms must be digitally signed by using “Docusign” and must be submitted via email to regional jurisdiction of the project: Below is the email information for each Region official processing the electronic DC-18 forms:
If you have any questions concerning this process, please contact George Lobman at
george@utcanj.org
or the UTCA office at (732) 292-4300.
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If anyone has questions concerning this notice, please contact us at the UTCA office 732-292-4300.
