A plan to widen one of the state’s most heavily traveled highways now comes with a bigger price tag. New budget documents from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority show the cost to repair and widen the Hudson County extension to and from the Holland Tunnel is now estimated at $10.6 billion — more than double the original projection of $4.7 billion. The project also includes replacing exit 14 in Newark, including the Newark Bay Bridge, and exit 14A in Bayonne. Turnpike Authority officials blame the increase on inflation and rising costs to borrow money.
Critics, including environmental groups, cyclists and local officials, say the proposal would increase traffic volume in the area and cause environmental harms like more carbon emissions and go against the state’s climate goals. But proponents argue the massive project is a necessity with the nearly 70-year-old Newark bridge at the end of its lifespan. They insist new travel lanes would ease congestion for drivers.
