Because the region’s needs far outstrip available resources, the NJTPA Board must choose the most pressing – and practical—needs to tackle. Dealing with some concerns (such as enhancing access to a growing regional center) may involve in-depth study of a variety of strategies and alternatives. Others (such as repairing a bridge) may involve more straightforward engineering questions. As a result, the time needed to create projects to solve a transportation issue varies widely -- from months to years.
The NJTPA oversees a variety of programs to prepare projects for eventual funding and construction. As discussed elsewhere in this website, projects must be rooted in issues identified in the NJTPA's long range Regional Transportation Plan. They can then undergo preparation through the Project Development Work Program or PDWP (link at left). The PDWP is a schedule of project planning, scoping and preliminary design work that will be conducted during the coming year.
The NJTPA also has special programs supporting the work of its subregions in preparing local important projects for funding. This accomplished through the Local Scoping and Local Lead programs (link at left).
The NJTPA's Local Safety Program (link at left) has a similar purpose focusing on small scale and "quick start" projects that will improve safety for the traveling public.