NJDOT awards $440 million
in new construction contracts

"The Department's capital program helps to meet the growing demands of New Jersey drivers and makes good use of all federal dollars available to us," Governor Whitman said. "Getting the work out to the street means that we can make the needed capital improvements to our system without delay, and, in addition, create 13,000 new construction and construction-related jobs."

"The $440 million total is the largest construction program awarded by the Department since 1996 and the third largest award total in the past ten years," Commissioner Weinstein said. "I applaud NJDOT staff for working long and hard to make FY 2000 one of the most successful years in Department history."

Included in the projects awarded this fiscal year is the replacement of the Route 21 Viaduct in Newark, valued at just over $100 million. Other major projects awarded in FY 2000 include: Route 30 Camden Gateway; Ocean City-Longport Bridge; Route 35 Shark River Bridge; Doremus Avenue Bridge Replacement; Route 1-Meadow Road Interchange; Route 33 Freeway Extension; and Route 31 improvements.

"New Jersey is perhaps the most transportation dependent state in the nation, so it is fitting that under Governor Whitman's leadership, we continue to make great strides in building the diverse transportation system the state needs now and in the future," Commissioner Weinstein said.

Along with he project awards, DOT provided $162 million in grants to counties and municipalities for bridges, roadwork, bike paths, and safety improvements. Attached is a list of the project awards.