Elected Leaders Applaud Revised Newark Bay Bridge Plan

Menendez, Jabbour praise Governor Sherrill's one-bridge proposal over initial two-bridge plan.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:23pm

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U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour have joined other elected officials in applauding Governor Mikie Sherrill's revised Newark Bay Bridge plan, which calls for a single bridge instead of the initially proposed two-bridge design. The $6.7 million effort to upgrade the Newark Bay Bridge is Phase I of the larger $10.7 billion Turnpike widening project, which has faced criticism from Hudson County activists and leaders.

Why it matters

The Newark Bay Bridge project is a critical infrastructure undertaking that has significant implications for the surrounding communities. The revised one-bridge plan aims to address stakeholder concerns and prioritize sustainability, resilience, and the long-term health of Hoboken and Hudson County.

The details

The initial proposal for the Newark Bay Bridge project called for two bridges, but Governor Sherrill has now moved forward with a revised plan that features a single bridge with four lanes. This updated plan has been endorsed by 65 advocacy groups, as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon. The $6.7 million Newark Bay Bridge project is the first phase of the larger $10.7 billion Turnpike widening effort, which has faced criticism from Hudson County activists and elected officials.

  • The Newark Bay Bridge project has been in development since 2022.
  • Governor Sherrill announced the revised one-bridge plan on March 3, 2026.

The players

Rob Menendez

U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 8th congressional district.

Emily Jabbour

Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey.

Mikie Sherrill

Governor of New Jersey.

Ras Baraka

Mayor of Newark, New Jersey.

James Solomon

Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“Since 2022, I have worked with all stakeholders – from elected officials to advocates to labor – to achieve a project that works for all of our impacted communities. That has been our mission since Day One and it remains our mission today.”

— Rob Menendez, U.S. Representative

“I thank Governor Sherrill for advancing a smarter, more environmentally responsible path forward for this critical infrastructure project. Her recommendation to focus on safety improvements leading to the Holland Tunnel and across Newark Bay, without expanding capacity, reflects a thoughtful and balanced approach.”

— Emily Jabbour, Mayor of Hoboken

What’s next

The revised Newark Bay Bridge plan will now move forward for further review and approval.

The takeaway

The updated Newark Bay Bridge proposal, with a single bridge instead of two, represents a collaborative effort to address the concerns of various stakeholders and prioritize sustainability, resilience, and the long-term well-being of the surrounding communities.