N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:44-138

No lien created under this article shall be binding on the funds of the public agency, unless an action to enforce the lien claim be brought within 60 days from the time when the whole work to be performed by the contractor is either completed or accepted by resolution of the public agency, but if any action be brought by any claimant the lien of any other claimant may be preserved and enforced by filing an answer setting up his claim in such action within the time allowed by the practice of, or within such time as may be allowed him by, the court.