TRENTON — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials, alongside other transportation agencies, announced they have begun taking steps to prepare for the impending storm as Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency.
Over the past 48 hours, DOT maintenance forces have been clearing drainage systems on state highways and roads to ensure they remain clear and safe for passage. Additionally, all regional Emergency Operations Centers have been testing communication systems and will be ready as needed. Throughout the storm, NJDOT will have more than 700 highway technicians, electricians and mechanics activated. More than 500 dump trucks, front end loaders, bucket trucks, light towers and tree cutting equipment will be activated and pre-positioned for use.
“We never take severe weather events lightly and the Governor has directed us to prepare for the worst, so that’s exactly what we’re doing,” NJDOT Commissioner Jamie Fox said. “I have every confidence in the NJDOT personnel and our preparation efforts. While we can’t stop this storm from coming, we can ensure that, if and when it gets here, we are ready to respond.”
New Jersey’s other transportation agencies are preparing in kind. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has 800 personnel at the ready, along with 400 pieces of equipment. The South Jersey Transportation Authority has 104 personnel and 95 pieces of equipment at their disposal, which include personnel at the Atlantic City Expressway and the Atlantic City International Airport.
New Jersey Transit is actively monitoring the path of the storm, and is fully prepared to implement a rail, bus, light rail and Access Link storm plan to minimize potential service suspensions and delays to the extent possible.
“We are prepared with our storm management plan which affects all of our modes, rail, bus, light rail and Access Link paratransit service,” NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique Hakim said. “NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail operations maintenance crews are inspecting equipment culverts, sandbags, drainage pipes and rights-of-way to ensure they are clear of blockages that could exacerbate flooding and disrupt service. NJ TRANSIT Bus staff is inspecting equipment and facilities and will be on standby 24/7 to respond where needed.”
“We continue to closely monitor the storm’s path,” New Jersey Turnpike Authority Executive Director Joseph Mrozek said. “Our goal is to ensure that anyone on our roads is safe and, when the storm ends, we are able address any issues as quickly as possible.”
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and storm preparation efforts follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.
For information on how to prepare your homes and families for the storm, visit http://ready.nj.gov.
