New Jersey accepting applications for $28 million in grants to improve local roads and bridges with heavy truck traffic
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Transportation is accepting applications for $28 million in grants to help counties and municipalities improve roads and bridges that carry heavy commercial truck traffic.
The Sherrill administration announced that applications for the fiscal year 2027 Local Freight Impact Fund program are being accepted through Dec. 18, 2026.
“The Local Freight Impact Fund provides funding to counties and municipalities for critical improvements to truck routes that are essential in supporting a strong state and regional economy,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said. “The Sherrill Administration is committed to investing in local roads and bridges carrying commercial truck traffic to ensure they are safe, efficient, and strong enough to handle the weight.”
The competitive grant program is designed to improve the safe movement of large trucks, repair aging transportation infrastructure, support economic development and expand transportation opportunities.
Funding is available for six categories of projects: roadway preservation, truck safety and mobility, bridge preservation, new construction, pedestrian safety and pavement preservation.
Eligible improvements include repairing roads and bridges used by freight traffic, improving truck access and routing, constructing new freight-related infrastructure and addressing pedestrian safety along freight networks.
To qualify, projects must be located within the jurisdiction of the applying county or municipality unless submitted jointly with a neighboring jurisdiction.
Applicants must also demonstrate that their proposed improvements provide access to a port, warehouse distribution center or another freight-related facility. Supporting documentation must include a project description and map.
Additionally, large trucks must account for at least 10% of traffic within the proposed project limits, with a traffic study required to verify the percentage.
The grants are administered through NJDOT’s Division of Local Aid and Economic Development.
Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including existing roadway conditions, overall traffic volume, percentage of large truck traffic, crash frequency and connections to freight facilities.
Beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program, NJDOT will also consider a new safety rating criterion for projects located on the state’s High Injury Network.
The additional criterion supports the state’s Target Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on New Jersey roads.
Counties and municipalities interested in applying can find additional information through the NJDOT Local Aid Resource Center.
Questions can also be directed to DOT-LocalAID.ResourceCenter@dot.nj.gov or 609-649-9395.
The application deadline is Dec. 18, 2026.
