The basics:

• U.S. Coast Guard issues a Finding of No Significant Impact
• First phase includes Newark Bay Bridge replacement, starting in 2026
• Project has been a controversial one, with passionate feelings in support and opposition

The first phase of a controversial plan to reconstruct and modernize the New Jersey Turnpike Extension took a major step forward this week.

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Bridge Permit May 7 for the first project of the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program, which includes the replacement of the Newark Bay Bridge. This followed the Coast Guard’s review of the Environmental Assessment performed by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The assessment found that the project will maintain or improve environmental and community quality as well as relieve the chronic traffic congestion between Interchanges 14 and 14A. The Turnpike Extension first opened to the public in 1956, and officials say it is in desperate need of modernization. The project is slated to begin in 2026 and last 10 years.

The process has included a robust public comment period – with more than 1,200 responses submitted – as well as a mitigation condition. The Turnpike Authority has agreed to provide air quality, noise and vibration monitoring systems; require the use of low-emissions construction equipment; and continue engaging and collaborating with the community through the construction phase.

“While the Finding of No Significant Impact confirms that the project complies with federal public health guidelines, we are making sure we stay below those standards by implementing robust air quality and noise monitoring systems – and take other proactive steps to enhance the well-being of neighboring communities,” said Turnpike Authority Executive Director James Carone.

Hot topic

The turnpike widening project has been a controversial one, which NJBIZ has reported on. The Turnpike Authority says that it has placed a heavy focus on coordinating with different community stakeholders throughout the process.

“We have prioritized listening to community voices and addressing their concerns,” said Program Manager Lisa Navarro, senior supervising engineer, Turnpike Authority. “We’ve conducted over 100 community and stakeholder meetings and 80 meetings with environmental agencies. The strong public health and air quality protections outlined in the adaptive management plan reflect the comments, concerns, and recommendations relayed to us by the public during these meetings.”

One notable opponent of the project is Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. In response to the permit approval, he reaffirmed his position. Fulop said he would cancel the project if he became the next governor of the state, an office he is currently pursuing. Fulop instead favors repairing the Newark Bay Bridge and reallocating money to invest in mass transit.

“Whether it’s congestion pricing or this bad project to widen the turnpike there is a huge difference between Democratic primary candidates on transportation,” Fulop wrote on social media. “We stand alone with a real plan for mass transit.”

Whether it’s congestion pricing or this bad project to widen the turnpike there is a huge difference between democratic primary candidates on transportation. We stand alone with a real plan for mass transit. https://t.co/6CdTYKuiaY

— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) May 7, 2025

Supporting growth

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee, a project supporter, applauded the news.

“I commend the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for doing its due diligence: listening to residents in communities near the Turnpike Extension while going above and beyond to ensure public health is protected throughout construction,” said Lalevee. “The U.S. Coast Guard’s Finding of No Significant Impact clears the way for the first step of this critical work to begin – rebuilding a nearly 70-year-old bridge.”

Lalevee described the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvement Programs as a lifeline for the Garden State’s transportation network and port economy – as well as the working families, who depend on both.

“This project will help support the growth of Bayonne, Jersey City, and Newark,” said Lalevee. “The labor community stands firmly behind this project because we understand what’s at stake. This about doing what’s right for New Jersey’s future and not letting our state economy falter.”

Daniel Hesslein, Turnpike Authority chief engineer, said the people who rely on the Turnpike Extension deserve safe, modern bridges.

“The Turnpike Authority has a plan to deliver them,” said Hesslein. “The FONSI and bridge permits are important milestones in that process.”