SNJDC Welcomes NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain for Public Policy Speaker Series at Rowan University

Jul 23
3 min read

Commissioner outlines transportation priorities, infrastructure investments and major mobility projects affecting South Jersey

The Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC) welcomed New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain for a Public Policy Speaker Series program on Wednesday, July 22, at the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University.

The event brought together business, government, transportation and community leaders for a timely discussion on New Jersey’s transportation priorities, infrastructure investments and the future of mobility. The program also provided an opportunity for stakeholders from across South Jersey to connect and consider the projects and policies shaping the region’s transportation network.

Glenn Davila, President of Performance Marketing and Chairman of the SNJDC Board of Trustees, opened the program and welcomed attendees. Rowan University Chancellor Tony Lowman offered remarks on behalf of the university, describing the ongoing Health Infrastructure continuing to propel the organization forward.

“You probably see something new every time you pass by Rowan – from the Schreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, New Jersey’s first veterinary school welcoming its second class, to the Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions, offering one of the only true cooperative nursing programs in the State.” – Anthony Lowman, Rowan University

Glen Kartalis of AECOM, Title Sponsor of the event introduced Commissioner Jain, who delivered the keynote address. Commissioner Jain outlined her priorities for advancing New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure under the new administration.

“South Jersey has always been home to some of the state’s most important transportation corridors. That’s why what happens here matters. At the Department of Transportation, we have three primary commitments – safety and reliability, modernizing transportation data to speed up project development, and building a transportation system that is resilient and ready to support New Jersey’s needs.” – Commissioner Priya Jain, New Jersey Department of Transportation.

She provided updates on several high-interest projects affecting South Jersey. The I-295 direct connect project aims to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion at the intersection of I-295, I-76 and Route 42 including the Route 322 bypass.

The $152 million Route 70 improvement project (spanning Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, and Evesham Townships) is scheduled for final completion in winter of this year. The 8.8-mile top-to-bottom rebuild has finished major paving, median construction, and utility replacements.

In the Cape May area, the DOT’s Route 50 bridge replacement over Cedar Swamp Creek in Upper Township aims to modernize and strengthen the bridge, which acts as a critical coastal evacuation route for the area.

The commissioner also touched on several future development projects in the region, such as the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s Interchange 1–4 improvements to add a third lane in each direction over the southern 36.5 miles of the Turnpike. The Atlantic City Expressway expansion, continued development of the Glassboro-Camden Line, and the Walter Rand Transportation Center improvement project

Commissioner Jain closed by discussing the importance of strengthening regional mobility, improving safety, supporting economic development, and working collaboratively with local and regional partners to address South Jersey’s evolving transportation needs.

“Our success relies on local officials and community. You have my commitment to making sure that we are being transparent about all our project and making sure it gets done on time.”

Steve Manera of HNTB, Co-Chair of SNJDC’s Transportation & Aviation Committee provided closing remarks.

Commissioner Jain’s appearance continued SNJDC’s Public Policy Speaker Series, which gives the region’s business community direct access to state leaders and creates a forum for discussing policies and investments with significant implications for economic development, mobility and quality of life throughout Southern New Jersey. SNJDC extends its appreciation to Commissioner Jain, Title Sponsor AECOM, Rowan University, the Council’s Transportation & Aviation Committee and all attendees supporting this important regional conversation.