Rep. Menendez secures $25M for Jersey City’s 12th St. upgrades including bike lane

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U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) secured a $25 million federal grant for Jersey City’s 12th Street Corridor Improvement Project that includes a bike lane.

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8). Screenshot via Instagram Reel.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“I am proud to have helped secure funding for this transformational project that will directly benefit Jersey City families, commuters, and small businesses,” Menendez said in a statement.

“With this $25 million grant, we are not only creating a safer travel experience for cyclists and pedestrians, we are also prioritizing sustainability and improving the surrounding community as a whole. I’m grateful to the Department of Transportation for their commitment to our shared vision for our district and we will always work to tackle the urgent transportation and infrastructure needs of our community.”

The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Discretionary Grant Program, aims to “reinvent the pedestrian and cyclist experience in Jersey City.”

“This transformative project, made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of our partners at U.S. DOT and in Congress, will mark a dramatic improvement around safety and quality of life, both for drivers accessing the Holland Tunnel and for Jersey City residents,” added Port Authority Chai Kevin O’Toole.

“A 60 percent reduction in collisions will mean more lives saved, less time wasted, and a more inviting corridor that works better for everyone.”

In February, Menendez submitted a letter of support for the grant funding to the Department of Transportation.

This was around the same time that Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh, and Ward E Councilman James Solomon praised the launch of the Coles Street Underpass Redesign, which had $3.8 million worth of construction approved.

The federal grant funds the design, environmental studies, and construction of an off-roadway protected bike corridor that adds east-west connectivity in Jersey City.

The project specifically includes constricting the existing six mainline eastbound lanes down to four lanes along 12th Street, adding new traffic signals and lighting equipment, widening sidewalks and curb bump-outs, adding bicycle facilities, safety improvements, landscaping and streetscaping including green infrastructure, access improvements to businesses, among other priorities.

“This project reflects the Port Authority’s focus on delivering forward-thinking infrastructure that prioritizes both efficiency and environmental sustainability,” noted Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

“By reimagining the 12th Street corridor, we’re enhancing safety and mobility while fostering economic growth and a stronger sense of community in a rapidly growing area. We deeply appreciate the cooperation and support of the New York and New Jersey congressional delegations and U.S. DOT.”


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5 COMMENTS

  1. Can someone explain how reducing the number of lanes heading into the Holland tunnel will benefit Jersey City? Won’t it just cause more backups along the 78 ramp, leading to more congestion, pollution, etc?

  2. I hope he knows that bike lanes are not illegal n putting cars in the middle of the street are illegal to Trenton makes the laws n if there are cars in the middle of the street I take of the pictures I already have to show trenton

  3. Rob,
    Adding bike lanes on 12th street is like adding Prime rib at a vegetarian restaurant. No bike will ever entry the Holland Tunnel and removing vehicular lanes will just force more traffic into downtown JC, out to the 78 toll plaza and down to Tonnelle. Anyone who has ever been on this street in a vehicle would tell you an upgrade could only be adding lanes for cars and trucks. Use the 12M on the old rail embankment proposed park for bike lanes there.

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