1999 Bridge Bond Spending Plan
Released, Stressing Bridge and Road
Maintenance, Operational Improvements and Transit

Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein said the proposed plan focuses spending on areas in which the state’s needs are greatest, such as bridge repair along the local roadway system, roadway and bridge maintenance on the state system, highway operational improvements, public transit, project development, rail freight and pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The spending plan targets $250 million for badly needed local bridge projects and $250 million for statewide transportation projects, $80 million of which is directed to public transit projects.

"We have developed a spending program that addresses a variety of needs across the transportation spectrum," Weinstein said. "On the local side for deficient county and municipal bridges we developed an allocation formula that included input from the county engineers, NJ Association of Counties, metropolitan planning organizations and the FHWA," Weinstein said.

"On the state side, we have earmarked $45 million for bridge rehabilitation on the state system, $75 million for roadway rehabilitation projects and $22 million for local bicycle and pedestrian projects, airport safety and rail freight improvements. This a responsible plan that, if authorized by the electorate in November, will allow to continue to move important projects and programs through our pipeline, " the Commissioner added.

Weinstein noted that specific projects and programs listed in the proposed spending plan have already been identified in the NJDOT’s five-year capital project plan.