Background
The NJTPA, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) has completed an ambitious project initiated in response to increasing levels of auto and truck traffic along Interstate 78. The I-78 Corridor Transit Study assessed the need, impact and feasibility of various transit strategies along the I-78 corridor between Lehigh County, Pennsylvania to the west and Somerset County, New Jersey to the east. The study is being followed by an extensive and detailed environmental and planning assessment of the possible extension of rail service west towards Phillipsburg, New Jersey, which will constitute a separate Phase II effort.
Recommendations (link at right) were released in June 2007 and were the subject of three public meetings.
The I-78 corridor has experienced significant growth in population and employment and the growth is expected to continue. Recognizing the mobility and accessibility needs of this growing population, the study sought to enhance transit options for current and future residents.
It developed recommendations that include strategies such as: new and restructured bus routes, bus preferential treatments, and new and expanded park and ride facilities. These recommendations (link at right) were presented at a series of public meetings in May 2007.
Public input and coordination with elected officials and agency staff were integral to the success of the study. A Project Steering Committee guided this study effort. The Steering Committee consisted of Freeholders and representatives from the local counties, NJDOT, and NJ Transit, as well as other transportation agencies. A web-based survey was developed to capture public feedback concerning travel issues related to the I-78 Corridor. Public feedback is instrumental in determining the transportation improvements needed for the corridor. The web-based survey was completed in April, 2006,with over 5,000 responses from residents and commuters from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc. of Bloomfield, NJ and Urbitran, Inc. (New York, NY) were the prime consultants for this project.
For further information contact: Lois Goldman, Manager of Corridor Studies via email at njtpa@njtpa.org or call 973-639-8400.