"We must ensure that we are not creating more harm to the environment than we are trying to eliminate," explained the Governor. Following its current route, the highway would parallel the Millstone River, cross Little Bear Brook, and rejoin Route 1 near the Delaware & Raritan canal. According to the assessment, the $50 million highway will do nothing to reduce congestion on Route 1 - the same high level of congestion is predicted for DOT's "Build" and "No-Build" scenarios - and will attract 35% more traffic into the area.

The coalition of environmental and transportation reform groups who have spoken out vehemently against the Bypass praised the Governor's decision. Before any alternatives are considered in an EIS, these groups plan to ask that the purpose and objectives for the project be redefined or "re-scoped." Currently, the objective is narrowly conceived as improving or maintaining traffic flow on Route 1 in the Penns Neck area where grid-lock surrounds three traffic lights during hours of heavy traffic. Instead of trying to move more cars through Penns Neck, DOT should focus the study on improving travel options and reducing the impacts of traffic on the surrounding neighborhoods.

The EIS is expected to require 1-2 years to complete. The NJ DOT will hold an informational session about the EIS process in mid-December in West Windsor.