Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.-09) today announced a $26,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to make major improvements along a two-mile stretch on Route 7 in Hudson County. Route 7, which connects Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties, stretches from Jersey City to Belleville. The highway often experiences major flooding as a major part of Route 7 spans across the Hackensack River.
“Route 7 serves as a major thruway connecting three of our state’s most populous counties,” said Sen. Menendez. “This grant will allow for much-needed improvements, which will decrease flooding and create a safer roadway for drivers. I appreciate the Biden Administration’s commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure and look forward to making New Jersey’s roads, bridges, and tunnels stronger, safer, and more resilient.”
“This is a major investment to improve road safety and reliability for people in the most densely populated part of our state,” said Sen. Booker. “By mitigating flooding and safeguarding against poor roadway conditions, these improvements will protect drivers and strengthen the resilience of this critical thruway.”
“This major federal award will have an enormously positive impact on our great state and region,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Route 7 is as an important artery connecting our largest counties. But the roadway suffers from flood events, disrupting the commutes of too many travelers. Drivers on Route 7 deserve a safe, fully operational path to get where they’re going and the injection of $26 million will get construction going now. After years of neglect, this Congress and this Administration are prioritized America’s roads and bridges and delivering for New Jersey.”
The project will make drainage improvements along Route 7, including raising the roadway by approximately 3.5 feet. The project will also add three pumping stations, install new pipes, flood walls and inlet structures.
The USDOT Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grants fund nationally significant freight and highway projects that improve safety and reliability, generate national or regional economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance the resiliency of highway infrastructure and help protect the environment.