Section 162 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act

The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 sought to correct problems with interstate highways and other national transportation-related issues. Section 162 of this act reallocated funds in New Jersey from an abandoned highway project.

Original Project

• The New Jersey Department Transportation proposed several expansions to Interstate 95 throughout the state, including a connecting branch between I-95 and I-287. The plan designated this branch as Interstate 695.

Project Failure

• According to NYC Roads.com, New Jersey never completed the proposed I-95 expansions or I-695, and U.S. Senators Bill Bradley and Nicholas Brady forced the cancellation of the project in 1982.

Reallocation

• Section 162 of the 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act shifted the funds intended for these abandoned highway projects to expansion projects for the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Turnpikes.

Implementation

• The 104th U.S. Congress approved the "reconstruction and widening to six lanes of existing Interstate Route 95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike from United States Route 1 to the junction with the New Jersey Turnpike," based on Section 162.