A New Jersey state project to revitalize roadways between Jersey City and Bayonne continues to receive backlash from several Jersey City leaders. The project aims to rebuild over eight miles of roads and bridges between Interchange 14 and Jersey Avenue in Jersey City. City leaders say the project will increase traffic and have negative impacts on the environment, but others are saying the construction is necessary to update the aging infrastructure. As of August 2024, the plans continue to move forward as several design contracts have been approved. As of February 2025, reports are saying that the Hudson County portion of the project may break ground in 2025. Here’s what we know about the NJ Turnpike Expansion Project.

About the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program

The Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program is under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and aims to improve the eight-mile stretch between Interchange 14 and Jersey Avenue by replacing bridges and adding lanes to the Turnpike. According to the program’s website, several benefits include relieving traffic congestion, addressing the impacts of climate change, accommodating the growth of surrounding areas, and supporting the overall safety of drivers using these roads.

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The plan is broken up into four projects. The first project with the highest priority is to replace 16 bridges, including the Newark Bay Bridge, between Interchange 14 and 14A with two bridges. The two new bridges will have four lanes in both directions, but while this is being constructed, the Newark Bay Bridge will remain open until construction is complete. The second highest priority project is between Columbus Drive and Jersey Avenue because of the significant maintenance required. Two lanes will be replaced with a new viaduct structure and add standard shoulders in both directions. This project will not add any new lanes.

From interchanges 14A to 14B, the viaduct and roadway will be replaced and have three lanes going in both directions. Between Interchange 14B to Columbus Drive, the viaduct will be rebuilt and have three lanes in each direction.

As of August 2024, the program is still in the preliminary design phase for the first project between Interchanges 14 and 14A. Per Patch Newark, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority board of commissioners approved several design contracts on Tuesday, August 27th to Micheal Baker International Inc. of Newark ($142 million), and Joseph M. Sanzari Inc. of Hackensack ($80 million). The plan is to start construction in 2026.

As of February 2025, the first $6.2 billion phase to replace the Newark Bay Bridge could start construction in 2025, per NJ.com.

This post will be updated with any further details.

Pushback From Jersey City

Jersey City leaders have voiced their concerns about the upcoming program, mostly focused on the environmental impact and traffic concerns.

In a press release, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop worries the project will “[incite] worsening traffic and environmental hazards that can jeopardize the safety and well-being of our residents and families.” He and several Jersey City council members are asking the US Coast Guard to reject the NJTA’s assessment of environmental impacts and conduct its own independent study.

“The proposed Turnpike expansion raises significant concerns regarding its potential impact on our community…We must ensure that any development in our city is done with transparency and in the best interest of our residents,” Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman said.

Yet some are still in support of the program due to the age of Hudson County infrastructure. “Their lifespan is 50 years. We're at 70 years. They have to be replaced," Robert Briant Jr. from the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association told CBS News.

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The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the NJTA for comment and will update this piece with any further comments.

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