New Jersey has proposed a $5.33 billion Transportation Capital Program for fiscal year 2026, with most funding coming from the state’s Transportation Trust Fund and federal resources. The plan directs $2 billion from the TTF and approximately $3.25 billion in federal aid, supplemented by contributions from third-party sources.
Under the proposal, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is allocated $3.63 billion, while NJ Transit would receive $1.7 billion. An additional $784 million is designated for local transportation projects across municipalities and counties.
The capital plan focuses on core priorities such as safety, infrastructure preservation, congestion relief and sustainable mobility. Emphasizing a “fix-it-first” approach, the program targets existing infrastructure needs before funding expansions. It also integrates Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which use advanced technologies to improve communication, traffic control and real-time responsiveness across the transportation network.
Breakdown of FY 2026 Projects:
NJDOT – $3.63 Billion
Bridge Improvements – $1.73 Billion
- Replacement and repair of key state and local bridges
- Routine and emergency bridge maintenance
- Support for local bridge programs
Roadway Upgrades – $389 Million
- Resurfacing and reconstruction of highways
- Long-term asset preservation
Safety Improvements – $197 Million
- Crash-reduction efforts at high-risk intersections
- Safer pedestrian and school zone designs
- Rail crossing enhancements
Congestion Management – $341 Million
- Smart signal systems and real-time traffic monitoring
- Infrastructure upgrades to improve vehicle flow
- Incident response tools and systems
Multimodal and Freight Projects – $116 Million
- Rail freight and port upgrades
- Bicycle and pedestrian pathway improvements
- Rail facility enhancements
NJ Transit – $1.7 Billion
Infrastructure Maintenance
- Track and signal system modernization
- Tunnel and bridge inspections and repairs
Vehicle and Power System Upgrades
- Replacing aging buses and railcars
- Updating substations and overhead power systems
Stations and Terminals
- Improvements at bus and rail stations
- Accessibility enhancements and added parking
Transit Safety and Resilience
- Network-wide security upgrades
- Flood prevention and emergency readiness
Local Transportation – $784 Million
Direct Local Aid – $400 Million
- Funding for county and municipal road and bridge projects
- Support for underserved communities
- Financing through infrastructure bank programs
Community Programs
- Walkability and Safe Routes to School initiatives
- Safety enhancements for rural roads
- Local freight and culvert improvements
Photo Courtesy Hudconja via Wikimedia Commons
