New Jersey’s $5.33B plan prioritizes infrastructure preservation

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New Jersey has proposed a $5.33 billion Transportation Capital Program for fiscal year 2026, with most funding coming from the state’s Transportation Trust Fund and federal resources. The plan directs $2 billion from the TTF and approximately $3.25 billion in federal aid, supplemented by contributions from third-party sources.

Under the proposal, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is allocated $3.63 billion, while NJ Transit would receive $1.7 billion. An additional $784 million is designated for local transportation projects across municipalities and counties.

The capital plan focuses on core priorities such as safety, infrastructure preservation, congestion relief and sustainable mobility. Emphasizing a “fix-it-first” approach, the program targets existing infrastructure needs before funding expansions. It also integrates Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which use advanced technologies to improve communication, traffic control and real-time responsiveness across the transportation network.

Breakdown of FY 2026 Projects:

NJDOT – $3.63 Billion

Bridge Improvements – $1.73 Billion

• Replacement and repair of key state and local bridges
• Routine and emergency bridge maintenance
• Support for local bridge programs

Roadway Upgrades – $389 Million

• Resurfacing and reconstruction of highways
• Long-term asset preservation

Safety Improvements – $197 Million

• Crash-reduction efforts at high-risk intersections
• Safer pedestrian and school zone designs
• Rail crossing enhancements

Congestion Management – $341 Million

• Smart signal systems and real-time traffic monitoring
• Infrastructure upgrades to improve vehicle flow
• Incident response tools and systems

Multimodal and Freight Projects – $116 Million

• Rail freight and port upgrades
• Bicycle and pedestrian pathway improvements
• Rail facility enhancements

NJ Transit – $1.7 Billion

Infrastructure Maintenance

• Track and signal system modernization
• Tunnel and bridge inspections and repairs

Vehicle and Power System Upgrades

• Replacing aging buses and railcars
• Updating substations and overhead power systems

Stations and Terminals

• Improvements at bus and rail stations
• Accessibility enhancements and added parking

Transit Safety and Resilience

• Network-wide security upgrades
• Flood prevention and emergency readiness

Local Transportation – $784 Million

Direct Local Aid – $400 Million

• Funding for county and municipal road and bridge projects
• Support for underserved communities
• Financing through infrastructure bank programs

Community Programs

• Walkability and Safe Routes to School initiatives
• Safety enhancements for rural roads
• Local freight and culvert improvements

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