New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced a scaled-back replacement plan for the aging Newark Bay Bridge, scrapping a long-debated proposal that would have doubled its size — and cost a whole lot more.
The Newark Bay Bridge, a critical link between Newark and Bayonne, was completed 70 years ago and has been in need of repairs for some time. But how to fix it has been a lightning rod in Hudson and Essex counties, with critics pushing back against earlier plans to add twice as many lanes.
Under the original proposal — once supported by former Gov. Phil Murphy — the bridge would have been significantly widened to eight lanes in all. Opponents argued the additional lanes would only encourage more driving, leading to increased congestion and environmental harm.
The decision to keep the bridge to four lanes is being praised by local leaders and community advocates who spent years fighting the expansion, arguing it would have worsened traffic and pollution.
“We couldn’t be more pleased. I mean, we’ve been fighting this project for six years,” said attorney John Reichman, who represents groups that opposed the expansion. “It would’ve been an environmental and economic disaster.”
Reichman said the project faced widespread opposition.
“This was an incredibly unpopular project and we’re glad that Mikie [Sherrill] decided to listen to the public and public officials,” Reichman said.
In a rare joint statement, the mayors of Newark and Jersey City applauded the governor’s decision.
“For years, our communities fought against a seriously ill-conceived plan while proposing serious alternatives…the Governor’s announcement is a major step in the direction of smart transportation policy that upgrades aging infrastructure, while addressing the needs of impacted communities,” the statement read.
Few dispute that the bridge requires significant work. But the scale and the cost of the project had many concerned.
Sherrill said the revised project is expected to cost just over $6 billion — significantly less than previous proposals — and will support thousands of jobs. While it remains unclear when construction will begin, the replacement bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2031.
Supporters say the decision shows the power of community advocacy.
“The takeaway is the importance of listening to the public and public officials…it’s a win-win-win for everyone,” Reichman said.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.