SICKLERVILLE, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, and South Jersey Transportation Authority Chair Stephen Dougherty highlighted the positive transportation and economic impacts of the planned widening of the Atlantic City Expressway to three lanes from mile marker 31 westbound to the Route 42 terminus.

The project, which will create an estimated 2,300 jobs in the region, reduce congestion, and help to improve safety along a stretch of Route 322, one of New Jersey’s deadliest highways.

“This widening of the AC Expressway has been one of top infrastructure priorities for this region. We have large and growing populations here, and it makes perfect sense to have three lanes to service local residents and commuters. This project is going to bring a sigh of relief to drivers used to experiencing the peak of Jersey Shore Summer traffic,” said Congressman Norcross. “With three lanes instead of two, we’ll be able to keep traffic going even if one lane needs to close for maintenance or roadway incidents, and it will greatly improve the flow of traffic – meaning less congestion and a safer roadway.  In addition, this project is going to create thousands of good-paying jobs in our region, which will have a powerful economic impact on our economy.”

“This $180 million investment in New Jersey’s infrastructure will help reduce travel times, relieve congestion, increase safety, and improve coastal evacuation capacity on this highly traveled thoroughfare,” said NJDOT Commissioner and SJTA Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “I’d like to thank Representative Norcross for his strong voice in Congress and Governor Murphy for his steadfast commitment to investing in New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure.”

“The South Jersey Transportation Authority’s widening project will truly enhance the patron experience along the Expressway. Once the 26 miles of east and westbound lanes are completed, the roadway will finally be expanded to three lanes its entire length,” said Stephen F. Dougherty, South Jersey Transportation Authority executive director. “I want to thank the Congressman for his years of advocacy on this project and for his ongoing support of the SJTA.”

Congressman Norcross has championed local infrastructure projects in South Jersey ranging from improving the conditions of roads and the safety of bridges to replacing lead waterpipes in schools and small businesses. He helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is delivering $13.5 billion in federal infrastructure funding to New Jersey and is projected to create 2 million jobs per year over the next decade nationwide.