Several sidings were proposed along the existing NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley Line in Bergen and Rockland County. The sidings were proposed to provide for passing of trains and to accommodate anticipated rider ship increase due to the opening of Secaucus Transfer Station in 2002. The proposed construction included placement of fill over deep deposits of soft clay, replacement of existing retaining structures and construction of new retaining walls.
YU & Associates, Inc. (YU) developed and performed a subsurface investigation and subsequent laboratory testing program. Up to 120-ft-deep borings were drilled in the Meadowlands Special drill rig setup was required in some restricted areas. Our evaluation of the field and laboratory data indicated that geotechnical ground treatment would be required to minimize post-construction consolidation settlements and improve embankment stability. Slope stability during fill place was also a concern and was analyzed during design. The recommendations were summarized in a design report.