Upgrade and improvement works are being proposed for the famous New Jersey Turnpike in the US. The budget for the work has been set at US$4.7 billion.
Widening and improvement works would be carried out along a 13km stretch connecting the New Jersey Turnpike with the Holland Tunnel. The plan would also see the replacement of the Newark Bay Bridge.
Those in favour of the scheme say it would reduce delays for drivers, while boosting capacity for the large numbers of heavy transport trucks using the route. Safety would also be improved.
However, there are some in the area who object to the plans, pointing out that this will increase pollution and disturbance. Moreover, the objectors point out that the capacity of the Holland Tunnel will not be increased, resulting in tailbacks at its entrance.
There are also concerns as to where the funding for the proposed road widening scheme would come from and that local taxpayers would end up footing the bill.
