Lettiere announces new pavement plan
that saves millions annually and should give drivers
a smoother ride
(Trenton) - Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere today announced a statewide initiative that will improve New Jersey’s roads and save millions annually in repair costs using new computer-based technology to survey road conditions and map out preventive maintenance.
“By using state-of-the-art technology to constant monitor the surface and sub-surface of our highway pavement and determine the appropriate maintenance fix, NJDOT will be able to extend the life of pavement by up to a decade and save millions that can be used to repair other roads,” said Lettiere.
NJDOT’s Pavement Management Program will use new state-of-the-art technology to monitor pavement and proscribe the correct treatment to preserve and extend the life of the road surface. A recent study by the Michigan Department of Transportation found a 1000% return on preventive pavement maintenance investments.
As part of NJDOT’s FY04 Capital Program, $120 million will be spent this year on road repair, and of that $3 million will be spent on preventive maintenance. Lettiere said in coming years, as New Jersey’s road condition improve.
Lettiere said New Jersey will need an average of $1 billion every year for 10 years for paving and resurfacing to maintain our aging highways. Before the new pro-active pavement treatment can be used on all miles of highway, NJDOT must first improve their condition. The $3 million will be used to on only those miles of highway in good enough shape to warrant this new treatment.
Lettiere joined with Bob Briant Jr., Executive Director of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association, to make the announcement today in Lawrenceville on Business Route 1, where patching work was underway.
“We applaud the Governor’s commitment to maintaining New Jersey’s infrastructure, and support this critical Fix-It-First initiative,” said Briant. “Throughout the state, our roads and highways need help.”
According to Senator Turner, "Instituting this program in New Jersey is great news for drivers, especially for our commuters, and for taxpayers, too. We will be able to enjoy the drive along our state's highways and through this preventative pavement program, we will save money in the long run."
Phil Beachem, President of the New Jersey Alliance for Action, agreed. “This initiative protects the roads and bridges that the Transportation Trust Fund pays for. When roads are well maintained, there is less wear and tear on our cars. This plan puts money back into the pockets of New Jersey drivers.”
“Better pavement management means fewer repairs tomorrow,” said Lettiere. “Investing in preventive maintenance on highways has been shown to save states $10 for every $1 invested. Three million dollars spent today saves $30 million in the long run.”
Under the new initiative, recently purchased computerized equipment will be used to monitor the surface and subsurface of highways and plan out a series of appropriate maintenance procedures that will extend the life of the pavement.
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