Standing against a backdrop of Middlesex Countyfarmland, two state legislators announced a bill to cancel proposed construction of Route 92 last Wednesday. Introduced by State Senator Pete Inverso and Assemblyman Bill Baroni, both Republicans from the area, the legislation would revoke the Turnpike’s authorization to build the 6.7-mile highway from Exit 8A to Route 1.

Residents and advocates have long opposed the project because it would induce sprawl development, and bring an additional 10,000 cars daily to already congested sections of Route 1.

On Wednesday, legislators also highlighted its steep cost: at $400 million, Route 92 equals one third of the state’s capital transportation budget for one year. If the project is cancelled, that funding could possibly be shifted to other uses, like fixing existing roads and bridges.

Given shortfalls in the state’s transportation trust fund, and his anti-sprawl beliefs, Governor McGreevey should join with Route 92’s foes. The governor recently announced plan to borrow $900 million in transportation funds.

When the Army Corps of Engineers releases Route 92’s draft environmental impact statement – expected in March or April – and decides whether to issue a permit for filling wetlands, McGreevey will have to take a stand on Route 92. Advocates, who recently praised NJ DOT’s decision not to build the nearby Millstone Bypass – will view this decision as a litmus test of his commitment to smart growth.

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