Background/Analysis/Issues

NJDOT has requested that DVRPC amend the FFY 2026 S/TIP for New Jersey by increasing the FFY26 Engineering/Right-of-Way/Construction (ERC) Phase of the Local Safety/High Risk Rural Roads Program (DB #04314) by $14.2 M HSIP from $3 M HSIP to $17.2 M HSIP. The reason for this cost increase is to fund the Mount Ephraim Avenue Safety Improvements, Ferry Avenue (CR 603) to Haddon Avenue (CR 561) project located in the City of Camden.

This project utilizes three roadway cross sections to address safety deficiencies along the corridor, including pedestrian visibility, lack of safe crossings, and lack of shoulders, with a goal of improving safety for all users, most notably pedestrians and bicyclists:

• Section 1- Pine Street to Chestnut Street is currently one lane in each direction with parking on both sides. The preferred alternative will consist of eleven-foot-wide travel lanes with adjoining three-foot-wide buffer and five-foot-wide bike lanes in each direction along with an eight-foot-wide shoulder for parking in the NB direction. 
• Section 2 - Chestnut Street to Decatur Street is currently one lane in each direction with parking on both sides. The preferred alternative will provide a 15-foot-wide shared travel lane (with bicycles) with adjoining eight-foot-wide shoulder in each direction for parking. 
• Section 3 - Dayton Street to Ferry Avenue is currently two lanes in each direction. The preferred alternative will provide 15-foot-wide travel lanes with adjoining three-foot-wide buffer and five-foot-wide bike lanes in each direction. 

The existing roadway width will be maintained throughout the corridor with minor curb adjustments as necessary for roadway and sidewalk improvements. Other proposed improvements include pavement reconstruction; curb extensions (bulb-outs) at signalized intersections, where possible, to increase pedestrian visibility and shorten pedestrian crossings; installation of ADA compliant ramps at every corner through the corridor; and signal improvements to increase signal visibility, improve traffic flow, and enhance pedestrian safety. In addition, the project proposes the improvement of intersection lighting where required, enhanced transit access and delineation, as well as stormwater infrastructure improvements. Overall, the project corridor has a net decrease of 14 legal parking spaces, most notably adjacent to the I-676/PATCO line on the Southbound side of the roadway.

The Local Safety Program provides funds to counties and municipalities for the improvement of high-risk safety locations based on addressing fatal and serious injury crashes in the region. This program also includes design assistance offered to counties and municipalities for LSP projects. 

Financial Constraint

Financial constraint will be maintained by making adjustments to other existing TIP projects whose schedules or costs have changed. The attached fiscal constraint charts provided by NJDOT show all of the adjustments taking place in accordance with the TIP Memorandum of Understanding. All projects listed contribute to fiscal constraint.

Conformity Finding

The TIP's current conformity finding will not be impacted by this amendment as this project is exempt from air quality analysis

Cost and Source of Funds

$14.2 M HSIP

The Regional Technical Committee recommends the DVRPC Board approve TIP Action NJ26-038, NJDOT’s request that DVRPC amend the FFY 2026 S/TIP for New Jersey by increasing the FFY26 ERC Phase of the Local Safety/High Risk Rural Roads Program (DB #04314) by $14.2 M HSIP from $3 M HSIP to $17.2 M HSIP.