Public open house held in Jersey City to discuss Newark Bay Bridge rebuilding

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) — In Jersey City, tempers flared during an open house held by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority when opponents walked out in the middle of a presentation the agency was giving on rebuilding the Newark Bay-Hudson County extension.

The program’s first project is the reconstruction of the Newark Bay Bridge between Newark, Bayonne, and Jersey City. It will start in 2026 and last approximately 10 years.

Daniel Ramirez, with Iron Workers Local Union No. 11, said the bridge doesn’t have the capacity for the load of weight that travels across it daily.

“Bayonne port, Newark port, Elizabeth port, so we have tons and tons of weight, so that bridge is not built for that,” Ramirez said.

“The ports are expanding, Jersey City, Bayonne are thriving and growing. This program will support local and state economy in order to provide regional mobility,” Lisa Navarro, the program manager at NJ Turnpike Authority, said.

Earlier in the day, opponents held a rally against the extension. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and other elected officials oppose the multi-million project, citing that New Jersey is already congested.

“Ten-billion (dollars) can go to solve every mass transit issue facing New Jersey now,” Fulop said.

Jersey City residents are also concerned about the ever-growing congested streets, saying the two main state agencies are not communicating and there’s a complete disconnect between public transportation and highways.

“There should be some sort of coordinated system of transportation. This is a major transportation hub,” said Joyce Booth.

The agency said meeting formats include one-on-one opportunities to speak directly with program members and ask them questions.

You can visit the website , where the public can submit their questions or concerns.

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