I-95 Bridge Collapse in Northeast Philadelphia

In the early hours of June 11^th, a tanker truck crashed into the lower structure of an elevated section of I-95, engulfing the deck in flames as drivers continued through the smoke and flames over the span.  The bridge was deemed compromised by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and was closed prior to its collapse. PennDOT provided detour information for the more than 150,000 daily travelers that utilize this section of I-95, and State and Federal funding was made available immediately to ensure the speedy repair of the bridge, which reopened with three temporary lanes in each direction 12 days later on June 23^rd. To learn how PennDOT used repurposed glass to expedite the rebuild process click here.

Montclair Students “Bike Bus” to School Weekly

“Bike Buses” consists of groups of adults and children riding their bikes to school together to improve safety. According to John Surico of the New York Times, in 1969 nearly half of students in the U.S. walked to school, whereas that number has dropped to 13% with roads being perceived as too dangerous for children to safely walk to school on their own each morning. This has sparked communities such as Montclair, NJ to form their own “Bike Bus” with parents and local volunteers leading the effort. This movement hopes to bring attention to the need for safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure around schools and neighborhoods. Visit the Kidical Mass website for more information. Photo Credit- Baristanet

Monmouth County Receives Funding from NJTPA for County Road Improvement Projects

Monmouth County has been awarded two types of funding for five total road safety projects through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). The first  round of funding is from the 2022 Local Safety Program. Improvements to 15 intersections will be made along the Cedar Ave. (Route 25) corridor in Long Branch from Norwood Ave. to Ocean Ave. improving bicycle and pedestrian accessibility. The Local Safety Program funding also addresses Monmouth Rd. (Route 537) in Millstone including a two-lane roundabout, road widening, improvements to traffic signals, and high-visibility crosswalks to enhance circulation and reduce the potential for crashes. The 2022 High Risk Rural Roads Program funding will be used to improve the following; Allentown-Davis Station Rd./Forked River Rd. (Route 539) in Upper Freehold, Allentown-Red Valley Rd./Trenton-Lakewood Rd. (Route 526) in Upper Freehold, and Iron Ore Rd./High Bridge Rd. (Route 527) in Manalapan. The improvements include upgrades to road surfaces, drainage, and signs.

Cool Walkability Planning

A recent report by Planetizen writer Todd Litman titled “Cool Walkability” explores the juxtaposition of air-conditioned comfort for drivers with the sometimes harsh conditions pedestrians endure. In recent years, summer temperatures have been increasing steadily, and as more paved surfaces are being constructed in urban areas, heat is retained from sunlight creating “heat islands.” One solution has been the use of shaded walkways also known as “shadeways” to provide some comfort for people on their travels. Although they can cost twice as much as regular public sidewalks, “shadeways” are a worthwhile investment. In the summer months people travel, dine out, and participate in outdoor activities more frequently which means more time exposed to the sun. “Shadeways” can be constructed in high-density areas, where they can serve to promote economic growth and connect different parts of a city. Photo Credit- Planetizen

New Round of State EV Incentives!

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has launched a new round of incentives for electric vehicles, including a $4,000 point-of-sale discount and a $250 incentive for home chargers. In addition, New Jersey is not currently charging a state sales tax on new plug-in electric vehicles.

Autonomous Shuttles Could be Coming to JFK Airport

On June 8, 2023, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey demonstrated a fleet of autonomous cars. The vehicles use a travel concept called “platooning” where the vehicles communicate with one another to keep the cars in a synchronized formation at a safe distance from each other while traveling at a speed of 20mph. The platooning concept is meant to handle a greater volume of vehicles and keep traffic flowing at a consistent pace. This new mode of mobility can get people from the airport parking lot and AirTrain to different reaches of the JFK campus in a quick and safe manner. The team has run into an unforeseen issue with  birds. When birds fly too close to an autonomous shuttle, the vehicle’s braking action is triggered, causing it to stop. This is something that can be easily modified in the software of the vehicle, according to Chiu Chun Leo Tsang, principal transportation manager for the Port Authority Innovation Hub which explores new technology for the Authority. Dean Zabrieszach, the CEO of HMI Technologies, which developed the “Ohmio” vehicles, says he is hopeful the Port Authority will have his firm continue testing in a more commercial capacity on the campus. Photo Credit- North Jersey

Upcoming Events

• Monmouth County Transportation Council Meeting: September 12 at 7 p.m. to be held in person with a virtual option. Click here to find the meeting info.

NYC “Central Business District” Tolling Program Receives Federal Approval

New York City is moving forward with a congestion tolling program to charge drivers entering Manhattan south of 60^th Street after receiving approval from the U.S. Federal Government. The project, known as the “Central Business District Tolling Program”, has been in the works since 2019 and is intended to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in New York City. The program’s toll costs, exclusions for certain groups, and an official start date have not yet been finalized. Revenue from the program will be used to improve public transportation in the City. New Jersey residents and lawmakers have voiced opposition to the project as many drive into Lower Manhattan for work, shopping, and entertainment.

Pedestrian Deaths Have Risen 70% Nationally Since 2010

Since 2010 the number of pedestrian deaths has increased by 70% nationally. These incidents are occurring more in suburban areas, where pedestrians are more likely to cross or walk along highways to reach their destination. Highways are designed for high speeds, which leaves less reaction time for drivers to avoid obstacles. Driver distraction is also a factor, as many drivers still use their cell phones while driving. It has been identified that more than half of these accidents occur at nighttime when visibility is reduced and in areas where streetlights are scarce. With 2021 matching the 1989 record of 217 pedestrian victims, New Jerseyans have taken notice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there has been a 10.8% decrease in fatalities in the first three months of 2023 even with an increase in vehicle miles traveled. Tracy Noble of AAA noted “the decrease in NJ fatalities is certainly a step in the right direction, but by no means is cause to celebrate, especially as we enter the summer driving season,” she said. “As travel ramps up and as more families are on the move, it is time to be more vigilant, not less, despite the current drop in traffic fatalities.” This effort will be continued through Monmouth County’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) plan which aims to identify high-risk  areas throughout the county and implement low-cost, highly effective, equitable, and innovative solutions.

NJ TRANSIT Moved 80K “Swiftly” on Memorial Day Weekend

NJ TRANSIT's handling of the Taylor Swift concert weekend was a “tremendous success.” The agency was Fearless as it moved 80,000 fans over three shows, avoiding problems that plagued previous events like Wrestlemania 35 and Super Bowl XLVIII. The Friday show was the busiest, with fans deciding to Shake It Off with the usual commuter rush. Traffic congestion was apparent, as some fans opted to listen to the performance from the parking lot, which added to the traffic volume. NJ TRANSIT is Ready For It and looking forward to more high-profile events at MetLife Stadium in the near future, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Master Plan Envisions New Neighborhood Around Philly’s 30^th Street Station

The 90-year-old train station will be the focal point of a new revitalization project in Philadelphia that will incorporate residential, commercial, retail, and public space. This project is a partnership between Amtrak, Brandywine Realty Trust, Drexel University, and Southern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority with plans proposing 18 million square feet of new development totaling $10 billion over the next 25 years. The project will also improve the train station which serves as a travel hub for the region as it is expected to handle a doubling of traffic in the next quarter century.

Do You Have an Interesting Transportation Photo Taken Around Monmouth County?

Monmouth County is currently accepting photo submissions for use and credit in public-facing items like the Monmouth County At-a-Glance, regional studies, and other uses in the future. If you have a picture of an interesting transportation feature in the County and  you want the opportunity to have the picture in a county project, submit here.

Monmouth County Bridge and Road Projects

Monmouth County is working hard to maintain and upgrade key roadway and bridge infrastructure throughout the County. Learn which projects are under construction, review, or consideration, as well as how to get involved, on the Monmouth County webpage.

Participate With The Council

If you have an interest in transportation, we invite you to contact the staff advisors of the Monmouth County Transportation Council at transportation@co.monmouth.nj.us and find out how you can participate or volunteer with us.