NJDOT ‘Complete Streets’ Policy again highlighted by National Complete Streets Coalition
New Jersey has the top ranked statewide policy
(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has once again been recognized as a national leader for advancing ‘Complete Streets’ policies which promote safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and other users of New Jersey roadways.
NJDOT’s Policy received the fourth highest overall ranking among the more than 350 communities and states that have adopted formal Complete Streets policies, according to a new report released by the National Complete Streets Coalition. The annual report, which rates every Complete Streets policy across the country on a numerical basis according to best practices criteria, highlights New Jersey’s policy as being the top ranked statewide policy earning especially strong marks in the areas of accommodating all users and modes and implementation.
“The Christie Administration has been taking important steps to advance the goals and objectives of Complete Streets by educating local officials and encouraging them to adopt their own policies,” Transportation Commissioner James Simpson said. “We need to see more policies at the local and county level to help us complete the statewide network.”
“All across the country we’re seeing more and more communities embrace a new understanding of their streets and roadways,” says National Complete Streets Coalition Director Roger Millar. “For New Jersey’s policy to be highlighted as a leading example not only shows the proliferation of best practices in recent years but also a strong commitment from the Department of Transportation to protecting the safety of all its transportation users.”
This national announcement comes on the heels of the June launch of NJDOT’s comprehensive Complete Streets webpage to provide information and resources to the public on the continued developments since the adoption of the Department’s Policy. The new webpage features background information on NJDOT’s Policy Implementation, Frequently-Asked-Questions, Success Stories, Workshop and Training materials including a Complete Streets Guidebook, presentations and a variety of helpful links. NJDOT also held a series of local workshops throughout the state in April and May to expand public awareness and interest in the initiative.
NJDOT's Complete Streets policy, internally adopted in 2009, requires that future roadway improvement projects include safe accommodations for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and the mobility-impaired. This policy is implemented through the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of new or rehabilitated transportation facilities within public rights-of-way that are federally or state funded, including projects processed or administered by the Department.
According the complete Streets Coalition report, the rate of Complete Streets policy adoption across the country is increasing exponentially, with 146 new policies having been adopted in 2011 alone.
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