$30.1 Million to Enhance New Jersey's Local Freight Infrastructure

$30.1 million in FY24 Local Freight Impact Fund grants; Program funds improvements to heavy truck routes on local roads.

MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Murphy Administration has unveiled a substantial $30.1 million funding initiative through the FY24 Local Freight Impact Fund, aimed at improving the infrastructure of local roads and bridges to accommodate heavy truck traffic.

NJDOT Acting Commissioner Fran O’Connor highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “New Jersey provides a vital link in our regional and national economies with the volume of goods that move through our seaports, airports, rail yards, and highways. The Local Freight Impact Fund provides counties and municipalities with funding to make necessary improvements to local roads and bridges that carry commercial truck traffic to ensure our infrastructure remains safe, efficient and equitable.”

Established as part of the Transportation Trust Fund reauthorization in October 2016, the Local Freight Impact Fund is a competitive grant program that supports projects enhancing the safety and efficiency of freight movement across the state. 

Out of 55 applications received for the FY24 program, 20 grants have been awarded to 15 municipalities and five counties. The funded projects include 15 pavement preservation efforts, two aimed at pedestrian safety, one for truck safety and mobility, one for bridge preservation, and one new construction project. 

These projects are designed to facilitate the safe movement of large truck traffic, renew aging infrastructure, promote economic development, and support new transportation opportunities.

Projects eligible for funding through the Local Freight Impact Fund fall into five categories: bridge preservation, new construction, pavement preservation, truck safety and mobility, and pedestrian safety. 

NJDOT’s Division of Local Aid and Economic Development administers the grants, evaluating projects based on a variety of criteria including existing conditions, overall traffic volume, percentage of large truck traffic, crash frequency, and connectivity to freight nodes.

This strategic investment in local freight infrastructure is part of New Jersey's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation system, supporting the state’s vital role in the national economy and ensuring the well-being of its communities and businesses.