An economic analysis of the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program released July 24 found that the program’s first project will generate $2.8 billion in economic activity and create more than 25,000 jobs, many offering prevailing wage and benefits, totaling $2 billion in earned income.
The analysis was conducted as part of the recently finalized New Jersey Executive Order 215 Environmental Impact Statement for the first project, which covers the reconstruction of the Turnpike Extension between interchanges 14 in Newark and 14A in Bayonne and Jersey City. The analysis spotlighted the economic impact the first project will have on historically underserved neighborhoods in Bayonne, Jersey City, and Newark.
“The Turnpike Authority is committed to making sure neighboring communities benefit from the economic opportunities generated by this critical infrastructure investment,” said New Jersey Turnpike Authority Executive Director James Carone. “We will continue collaborating with community stakeholders and elected leaders to expand opportunities for local participation.”
In addition to jobs, the first project will provide significant contracting opportunities for small businesses, especially those in Bayonne, Jersey City, and Newark. The program has a goal of awarding 25% of contracts to small businesses. For the first project, this goal works out to more than $1.5 billion in contracting opportunities.
“Although the overwhelming majority of small business opportunities will be available during construction, we’re proud to have invested approximately $13.5 million with small businesses to date,” said Turnpike Authority Senior Supervising Engineer and Program Manager Lisa K. Navarro. “This number supports the Turnpike Authority’s 25% Small Business Enterprise goal. Many of the small businesses are minority- and woman-owned in keeping with our commitment to equitable infrastructure development.”
“Working with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has supported my growth as a small business owner, opening new opportunities for me and my firm,” said Ryan Monroe, owner and creative director of Newark-based RyArMo Photography Studio.
“It’s allowed me to expand my team’s hours, offer benefits to my production staff, and invest in key areas like marketing. When state agencies choose to invest in locally owned businesses, it has a direct positive impact on our communities, especially here in Newark, where my firm is based.” RyArMo Photography Studio provided photography services for the Turnpike Authority’s public hearing and three in-person public information centers for the program.
The program will rebuild the 8.1-mile Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension from Interchange 14 in Newark to Jersey Avenue in Jersey City to improve safety and sustainability, relieve traffic congestion, accommodate the current size and future growth of the adjacent communities and the ports, and address the anticipated impacts of climate change.
The first project includes the replacement of 16 bridges and nine ramps. This is the highest priority because of the deteriorating condition of the nearly 70-year-old structures. Construction will begin in 2026 and is estimated to take 10 years. A major portion of the project is the replacement of the Vincent R. Casciano Bridge over Newark Bay with twin cable-stayed bridges.
