New Jersey Senate Bill S2676

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/22
• Refer: 5/19/22

Caption

Makes supplemental appropriation of up to $10 million to DOT for construction of highway guard rail along entirety of Route 208 through Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Hawthorne, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, and Oakland in sections without highway guard rail, where necessary to ensure health and safety of motorists and residents whose properties abut Route 208.

Impact

The enactment of S2676 is anticipated to significantly improve highway safety across Route 208, directly impacting state transportation policies and investments. By allocating necessary funds for the construction of guard rails, the bill aims to reduce the likelihood of vehicular accidents, which, in turn, may lead to decreased emergency response and healthcare costs associated with highway injuries. Local communities may also see enhanced property values as a result of improved safety measures on an essential roadway.

Summary

Senate Bill S2676 proposes a supplemental appropriation of up to $10 million to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) for the construction of highway guard rails along the entirety of Route 208. This initiative specifically targets sections of the highway that currently lack guard rails in municipalities such as Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Hawthorne, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, and Oakland. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance the health and safety of motorists and residents living adjacent to the highway by minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries caused by vehicles leaving the roadway.

Contention

Notably, S2676 allows the Commissioner of Transportation to bypass certain guidelines set forth in the Department of Transportation's 2015 Roadway Design Manual regarding guard rail installation, which could raise concerns among some stakeholders. Critics might argue that this exemption undermines established safety standards and could set a precedent for future regulatory bypasses. Supporters, however, contend that expedited safety measures are necessary in response to specific community needs and current road conditions.