Office of the Governor
Acting Governor Signs
Permanent Truck Ban for Route 29
Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco signed legislation today permanently banning trucks from traveling on Route 29 north of Interstate 95.
"As important as trucks are to New Jersey's economy, we don't take this kind of action lightly. There has to be a compelling reason to restrict traffic on a state highway. Traffic fatalities in recent years have shown that portions of Route 29 are just too dangerous for truck," Francesco stated.
"From now on, any truck over 13 tons that drives on Route 29 should take heed. If you travel this road anywhere between Route 95 in Mercer County and Route 12 in Frenchtown and you do not have business within three miles of this road, you will face a fine up to $400. The fine goes up to $1,000 by the third offense," said DiFrancesco.
Emergency and government-owned vehicles, as well as vehicles making deliveries within three miles of the restricted area of Route 29, are exempt from this law.
This law permanently extends a short-term executive order issued in November 2000, and extended last month, in response to the amount of traffic accidents caused by trucks on Route 29.
"There are too many sharp curves and narrow lanes. There are too many spots without a shoulder. Route 29's recent history has shown all too clearly that accidents can and do happen here. With this bill, I hope we have suffered the last fatality," said the Acting Governor.
The truck ban, S-1491, was sponsored by Senators William Schluter (R- Warren/Hunterdon/Mercer) and Shirley Turner (D-Mercer), and Assemblymen Leonard Lance (R-Warren/Hunterdon/Mercer) and Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer).
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