The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded New Jersey a $26 million Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant for the state’s Route 7 project.
The INFRA program funds freight and highway projects that improve safety and reliability, enhance the resiliency of highway infrastructure, reduce congestion, protect the environment, and generate national or regional economic benefits.
The Route 7 project will improve along a two-mile stretch in Hudson County. Work includes raising the roadway by approximately 3.5 feet, installing new pipes and flood walls, adding inlet structures, building three pumping stations, and other drainage improvements.
“This major federal award will have an enormously positive impact on our great state and region,” U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ) said. “Route 7 is as an important artery connecting our largest counties. But the roadway suffers from flood events, disrupting the commutes of too many travelers. Drivers on Route 7 deserve a safe, fully operational path to get where they’re going, and the injection of $26 million will get construction going now. After years of neglect, this Congress and this Administration are prioritized America’s roads and bridges and delivering for New Jersey.”
The route connects Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties. It often experiences significant flooding where it spans the Hackensack River.