Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Over the course of the year, we receive many calls regarding bridge openings. For most bridges, you only need to call the Coast Guard (Channel 13) to get an opening schedule. If you need more information on bridges operated by NJDOT, click here.

The events of September 11 confirmed the importance of ferries in New Jersey's transportation system.  Private ferry operations were invaluable in their responsiveness to the attack. The only means of transportation that could effectively respond and evacuate stranded New Jersey residents.

Ferry Operations

Ferry operations have had a significant role in the history of transportation in the state as a mode for accessing New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. However, these services had gradually declined over the decades from the 1950s to the late 1980s - they were nonexistent. There are now several private operators carrying people from various points in New Jersey to several destinations in New York City. Additional services are in the planning and implementation stages, including planning for the movement of goods.

Since the passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991, federal funds have been available for investments in ferry facilities (not vessels, unless a "marine highway" service; nor operations). New Jersey has succeeded in receiving some of the competitive funds available from ISTEA. With the passage of TEA-21 in 1998, New Jersey received a $25 million set-aside for ferry investments that it can assign to priority needs with the regular federal approvals and authorizations.

Policy

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will utilize available federal funds to support private sector ferry services that fill a niche market in Trans-Hudson and Trans-Delaware travel for both persons and goods by funding or partially funding landside access and terminal facilities.

Ferry Coordination

The Office of Maritime Resources will be the focal point for ferry activites in the NJDOT, providing overall direction, oversight and coordination among the various NJDOT units. In addition, Maritime Resources will coordinate closely with the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), through the Harbor Operations Committee and the creation of a regular coordination mechanism among these agencies and others as needed.

Regional Ferry Projects

There are nine initial ferry projects in various stages of development. Additional projects are anticipated.

• Hoboken Intermodal Terminal
• Weehawken Ferry Terminal
• South Amboy Ferry Terminal
• West Midtown Intermodal Terminal
• Colgate Pier
• Elizabeth Intermodal Ferry Terminal
• Atlantic Highlands
• Highlands
• East River Landings