Department of Transportation

Community Advisory Committee

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is an important component of the public involvement effort for the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Direct Connection project. The CAC consists of more than 40 community representatives including local elected officials, residents, transportation agency officials, and representatives from senior citizens associations, minority groups, school districts, business development organizations, environmental groups, religious and civic groups, and other stakeholder organizations. During the course of the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Direct Connection project the CAC has gathered input from community representatives to assist in the development of a project that improves safety and mobility at and around the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Interchange while supporting the objectives of local communities with respect to economic development and quality of life issues while preserving local environmental, cultural and historic resources. The Project Flow Chart (pdf 118k) shows how the CAC meetings are a part of the project schedule.

While not a decision making body in itself, the committee provided valuable input on the alternative selection process for the Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The CAC also helped the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Project Team reconcile the various community interests represented in the project area and provide NJDOT with input into the process of formulating recommendations for transportation improvements In addition, the committee helped NJDOT set priorities and plan outreach activities.

Thus far, a total of nine CAC meetings have been held with each meeting linked to specific project tasks or milestones as follows (additional meetings have occurred to review the project status):

  • CAC orientation/discuss Draft Purpose and Need Statement
  • View initial alternatives
  • Suggest additional alternatives
  • Discuss refinement of alternatives and Rating Criteria
  • View initial NJDOT "short"list of alternatives
  • Provide input on final "short" list of alternatives
  • Discuss Scoping/Screening reports
  • Review project status

In addition to the topics listed above, the CAC has addressed other issues and concerns raised by the community during the project development process. Additional meetings may be required to address specific issues that arise.



Last updated date: November 12, 2020 9:23 AM