U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) and Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour are joining other elected leaders in applauding Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) for pushing a revised Newark Bay Bridge plan that will have one bridge instead of two, which was initially proposed.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Since 2022, I have worked with all stakeholders – from elected officials to advocates to labor – to achieve a project that works for all of our impacted communities. That has been our mission since Day One and it remains our mission today,” Menendez said in a statement late Tuesday evening.
“That is why I am glad Governor Sherrill is moving forward with an updated version of the Newark Bay Bridge Project that incorporates the views of the many different stakeholders who have made their voices heard on this important project. I am grateful that we have been able to reach a solution that prioritizes smart infrastructure polices, includes a full Project Labor Agreement and addresses the concerns of the communities most impacted by this project.”
Sherrill came out in support of a one bridge plan with four lanes yesterday, a plan that have previously been endorsed by 65 advocacy groups collectively known as the Turnpike Trap Coalition, as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
Solomon and Baraka were quick to thank Sherrill for her leadership on the issue last night, as HCV first reported.
“I thank Governor Sherrill for advancing a smarter, more environmentally responsible path forward for this critical infrastructure project. Her recommendation to focus on safety improvements leading to the Holland Tunnel and across Newark Bay, without expanding capacity, reflects a thoughtful and balanced approach,” Jabbour said Wednesday morning.
“We can and must address important safety needs without inducing additional traffic, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution to the detriment of our health and quality of life. Her decision reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, resilience, and the long-term health of Hoboken and Hudson County. I look forward to collaborating with the Governor, advocates, and regional partners in the future to ensure transportation investments align with our climate goals to better protect our communities.”
The $6.7 million effort to upgrade the Newark Bay Bridge is Phase I of the $10.7 billion Turnpike widening project, an effort that has been panned by Hudson County activists and electeds for year, though this new approach could save in the neighborhood of $4 billion.