The NJTPA works with its federal partners and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to provide federal funding to member subregions for infrastructure improvements that aim to make travel safer. The NJTPA has developed several programs and initiatives for safety on local roadways that align with the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Safe System Approach and the State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan. These programs help subregions advance improvements through the phases project development in the federal funding process.

Since the inception of the Subregional Safety Improvement Program (formerly the Local Safety Program) in 2004, the NJTPA has allocated $340 million in federal funds for 144 projects. Typical projects include new and upgraded traffic signals, road diets, modern roundabouts, pedestrian safety including countdown signal heads, high visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, new and upgraded signs and pavements markings, bike lanes and other improvements. Since the inception of the High-Risk Rural Roads Program in 2009, more than $60 million has been allocated for 26 projects. Typical projects include horizontal curve improvements, including high friction surface treatment and improved superelevations, centerline and edgeline rumble strips, upgraded pavement markings and signs.

Safety Programs

  • Road Safety Audits (RSA): The NJTPA has partnered with NJDOT to offer a RSA to municipalities and counties in the NJTPA region. An RSA is a FHWA proven safety countermeasure that consists of a formal safety performance examination of a roadway by an independent, multidisciplinary team. Road Safety Audits can be used to seek funding through the Local Safety Program.
  • Consultant Assistance with Studies/Analysis Program: This program aids subregions with preparing applications in advance of a biennial solicitation for the Subregional Safety Improvement and High Risk Rural Roads programs. Consultants assist with traffic data collection, crash diagrams, environmental impacts, alternative analysis, conceptual layouts and the HSM analysis. These studies and analyses are required as part of the application.
  • Subregional Safety Engineering Assistance Program: NJTPA subregions accepted into the Subregional Safety Improvement and High Risk Rural Roads programs can use this program, which provides consultant assistance with the design phases of project development. Since 2013, the NJTPA has allocated more than $60 million for the design of 80 safety projects.
  • Subregional Safety Improvement Program: This federally-funded program is a component of wider safety planning at the NJTPA, and supports construction of cost-effective, high-impact safety improvements on county and local roads in the NJTPA region. Projects on State, U.S., and Interstate highways are not eligible for funding under this program.
  • High Risk Rural Roads: This program uses federal funding that has specifically been set aside to address safety needs in rural areas.