Menendez, Lautenberg announce $10 Million in Funding to Integrate Vehicle image detection and wireless communication technology

Newark - In a major win for New Jersey's commuters, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced new resources and tools to improve traffic flow in Bergen and Hudson Counties. New Jersey has been awarded more than $10 million by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for new state of the art traffic signaling technology, which integrates wireless technology, traffic signal software, and vehicle image detection. The new signaling system will improve traffic flow and prevent commute delays on US routes 1&9 and 46; NJ 7, 17, and 120; as well as various local corridors.
House Republican voted to slash these resources in their recently-released budget proposal. However, since the Department of Transportation obligated these funds, this risk has been averted.

Senator Menendez said, "With family, work, and bills, New Jerseyans have enough on their plate. They deserve a hassle-free commute. These new tools will help our commuters get where they need to be faster, easier, and without unnecessary delays. This major investment will continue putting New Jersey on the road towards greater economic competitiveness and growth."

Senator Lautenberg, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds this program said: "Despite Republican efforts to strip this critical federal funding from New Jersey, I am proud to announce this project will move forward to create jobs and relieve congestion in our state. Cutting transportation projects in New Jersey would lead more hardworking men and women to the unemployment line and increase gridlock on our roads. This funding will help ease the flow of traffic in Hudson and Bergen counties and allow commuters to spend less time in the car and more time at home with their families."

The DOT grant funding was awarded in October on a competitive basis from the federal government for national infrastructure investments that will have a significant impact on the nation's metropolitan regions. The DOT made it official this week by announcing the funding would be committed for this project.

###