Several realities in New Jersey are the basis of our economic success and what we like to complain about. We are densely populated and home to one of the most active ports in the country. The two are related for the better and sometimes worse. Our roadways are crowded with commuters and delivery trucks heading to New York and the greater metropolitan area.
Commuters and the ports keep our state economically vibrant. As Ben Franklin famously said, New Jersey is “a barrel tapped at both ends” referring to our proximity to New York and Philadelphia. Simply what this means is traffic. Lots of it.
That’s why the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has wisely voted to move forward on widening the Turnpike into Jersey City, starting with doubling the volume the Newark Bay Bridge will handle. The bridge replacement is one piece of an almost $11 billion program that would replace and expand certain parts of the 8.1-mile elevated highway that brings cars and trucks to the Holland Tunnel. Of course, opponents have their complaints but back to those pesky realities of our economy.
New Jersey’s per capita income is always among the highest in the country. Why? I refer you back to Ben Franklin’s comment. Ours is a commuter state. Not just to New York City but also to the offices in Jersey City. If you live in Bergen, Essex or Passaic counties, among others, the Turnpike is your lifeline into Manhattan. Yes, once the Gateway project is completed passenger train service into Manhattan will significantly improve but it will never be enough for all northern New Jersey commuters. That’s why Rep. Rob Menendez’s idea to dedicate one of the new Turnpike lanes to buses makes good sense. Opponents of the expansion ignore the reality that roads will remain the vital link for our economy, especially for getting to Jersey City.
At the same time, there are the Ports of Newark and Elizabeth which account for nearly $15.7 billion in tax revenue, support over 563,700 jobs, and were responsible for $47.2 billion in personal and $135.3 billion in business income in the region in 2022, according to a recent study. Why are the ports so successful? Because they are so close to New York City and our densely populated suburbs. Remember that data from the Trucking Association of New York shows that truck drivers deliver nearly 90% of all goods in New York City to businesses and homes across the five boroughs.
If we are to remain an economically vibrant state, goods from the ports will need to move quickly throughout our region. Remember, whether you’re a resident or a business we’ve come to expect and now demand quick deliveries. Since most businesses function during peak business hours, that’s when most deliveries occur. Freight rail for local deliveries will never be practical so this Turnpike expansion is a forward-looking project.
Let Governor Murphy and your legislators know you support this project. Otherwise, the opposition may succeed in strangling New Jersey’s golden goose.
