NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced $20 million in funding to New Jersey roads and highways to improve connectivity, mobility, and safety for residents, commuters, and businesses across New Jersey. 

The New Jersey Department of Transportation is receiving $8 million for the reconstruction of the Route 168 corridor, a project that spans two miles of a state highway in South Jersey. The department will also receive $12 million in disaster relief to address the lingering impacts of Hurricane Ida on Jersey’s highways. 

The grants are part of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Multi-Project Discretionary Grant Program and the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program. Funding for the INFRA program, which funds large-scale, transformational infrastructure projects that will improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas, increased by more than 50% thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Booker voted for.

“These grants mark a significant investment in enhancing New Jersey’s roads and highways for the well-being of residents across our state,” said Senator Booker. “This funding not only addresses the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, but also propels the Route 168 Reconstruction Project, ensuring safer, more connected communities. I’m proud to champion these improvements, and grateful for the support and collaboration that make these transformative projects possible.”

The New Jersey grant awards are: 

  1. $8 million to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Route 168 Reconstruction Project. The project will improve Route 168 with reconstructed pavement, resurfaced pavement, a Road Diet and Complete Streets enhancements, ADA accessible sidewalks, approximately eight signalized intersections, bicycle lanes, improved bus stops, at-grade rail crossing safety improvements, guiderail upgrades, utility relocations, upgraded stormwater management infrastructure, and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) deployment.
  2. $12 million to the New Jersey Department of Transportation in emergency disaster relief to address damages caused by Hurricane Ida. The hurricane caused major damages to roads and the highway system routes throughout New Jersey, including massive sinkholes and impassable and structurally unsound roadways. 

Booker wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the Route 168 Reconstruction Project.