NORTHWEST N.J. — The Sherrill administration announced $28 million in state grants to improve local freight routes, including projects in Morris and Sussex counties aimed at supporting truck traffic and roadway safety.
Among the funded projects, Dover and Wharton in Morris County and Franklin Borough in Sussex County will receive funding through the state’s FY26 Local Freight Impact Fund program, which supports improvements to roads used by heavy trucks.
Dover is slated to receive about $530,000 for improvements to Richboynton Road, while Wharton will receive $750,000 for upgrades along Harry Shupe Boulevard. In Sussex County, Franklin Borough was awarded approximately $1.44 million for Cork Hill Road improvements focused on truck safety and mobility.
State officials said the competitive grant program helps municipalities address infrastructure needs tied to commercial traffic and economic activity.
“New Jersey is a global hub for commerce with seaports, airports, and rail yards that are critical to our regional and national economies. Governor Sherrill is committed to investing in this infrastructure to ensure a more reliable, modern, and safe transportation network,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said. “These Local Freight Impact Fund grants allow counties and municipalities to make improvements to local roads and bridges that carry commercial truck traffic, supporting a strong state and regional economy for years to come.”
The Local Freight Impact Fund was created as part of the state’s Transportation Trust Fund reauthorization in 2016. This year, the New Jersey Department of Transportation received 48 applications and awarded 23 grants across 11 counties. For the full list, visit the NJDOT website.
Projects funded this year include roadway preservation, truck safety and mobility improvements, bridge preservation and new construction. Officials said projects are evaluated based on factors such as traffic volume, truck usage, crash data and connections to major freight hubs.
The program is administered by NJDOT’s Division of Local Aid and Economic Development and is intended to enhance safety, improve infrastructure and support economic development tied to freight movement.
