When the repair backlog exists because new roads and bridges are being built at the expense of the old, there are environmental consequences Development will move to the new roads, create new demand in new areas, trigger need for more roads and speed the pace of paving over New Jersey's remaining farms and forests. Things to think about A significant portion of New Jersey's road-building dollars go toward building new roads, which often promote suburban sprawl, rather than toward repair of existing infrastructure in cities and suburbs. The 1950s and 60s saw a number of major roads built in New Jersey. Some 40 years later, these roads and bridges need significant repair. Transportation decision-making is fragmented among federal, state, local and regional agencies.
Central authority is weak.
This indicator does not report on the backlog of repair work for non-road infrastructure, such as trains or sidewalks. It does not take into account many of New Jersey's smaller roads. How to Use This Report Glossary Acknowledgements Click here to download a copy of the report in PDF format. Produced in 1999 by New Jersey Future.