NJDOT celebrates major accomplishments of 2008
Progress in infrastructure investment,

capital planning and accessibility

(Trenton) – Commissioner Stephen Dilts today highlighted the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT)’s major accomplishments of 2008. NJDOT made significant progress in the areas of capital planning, innovative resource management, and improving access to transportation contracts and information.

“NJDOT in 2008 made notable strides by creating a long-term infrastructure investment plan, increasing the efficiency of the project planning process, increasing opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses, and offering motorists real-time traffic tools,” stated Commissioner Dilts. “I look forward to advancing Governor Corzine’s economic stimulus plan in 2009 by investing $2.8 billion to create jobs and improve the transportation system.”

Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan
As part of his strategy to stimulate New Jersey’s economy, Governor Jon S. Corzine in November released a statewide infrastructure plan that commits $2.8 billion to transportation projects and will support or create an estimated 26,000 jobs through 2009. Nearly $1 billion of the state’s $2.8 billion investment is either new capital allocated to projects which were previously unfunded or funding dedicated to projects that have been accelerated.

Capital Planning
In March, NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT for the first time released a 10 year capital program, which includes more than $33 billion in infrastructure investments. The plan increases investment in bridges to $6 billion over ten years in order to ensure bridge safety. NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT also implemented a $3.3 billion annual capital program.

Value Engineering
NJDOT continues to review planned projects through a value engineering process, called Value Solutions, which makes projects simpler, more affordable and easier to build.

In 2007, the Department produced the largest value engineering savings in the country at $327.2 million. In 2008, NJDOT realized $236 million in savings via value engineering.

Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Awards
NJDOT increased contracting opportunities for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses and awarded $187.4 million for construction-related projects. This is an increase of more than $20 million since 2007.

Tools for Efficient Travel Choices
NJDOT in 2008 offered several new tools that will help relieve congestion and save fuel. NJDOT opened the state-of-the-art Statewide Traffic Management Center, which improves the management of and response to accidents, adverse weather, special events and congestion. NJDOT implemented NJ511, a free phone and web service that offers real-time traffic information. The new MYNJ511 service sends personalized updates and alerts to cell phones, e-mail accounts and personal digital assistants.

In 2009, NJDOT will focus on improving operational efficiency, implementing Governor Corzine’s infrastructure investment plan, and increasing New Jersey’s economic vitality and quality of life by providing a safe and efficient transportation system.