Department of Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Complete Street?
A Complete Street is defined as a way to provide safe access for all users by designing and constructing a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network of transportation options.
Why a Complete Street?
Because of the increase in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has established a policy to provide safe and accessible accommodations for all users of existing and future pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities.
How will Complete Streets be implemented?
  • NJDOT will implement its Complete Streets policy through the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of new and retrofit transportation facilities within public rights of way that are federally or state funded, including projects processed or administered through the Department's Capital Program.
  • Transportation facilities are long-term investments that shall anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and walking facilities and not preclude the provision of future improvements.
  • By providing connections to bicycling and walking trip generators.
  • By providing safe and accessible accommodations for existing and future pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities.
  • By ensuring improvements comply with Title VI/Environmental Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and should complement the context of the surrounding community.
  • By addressing the need for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross corridors as well as travel among them.
  • The Department strongly encourages the adoption of similar policies by regional and local jurisdictions that apply for funding through Local Aid Programs.
What are the benefits of Complete Streets?
  • Improves safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, children, older citizens, non-drivers and the mobility challenged as well as those that cannot afford a car or those that choose to live car free.
  • Provides connections to bicycling and walking trip generators such as employment, education, residential, recreation, retail centers and public facilities.
  • Promotes healthy lifestyles and economic development.
  • Creates more livable communities.
  • Reduces traffic congestion and reliance on carbon fuels thereby reducing green house gas emissions.
  • Makes fiscal sense by incorporating sidewalks, bike lanes, safe crossings and transit amenities into the initial design of a project sparing the expense of later retrofits.
Are there exemptions to the Policy?
Exemptions to the Complete Streets policy must be presented for final decision to the Capital Program Screening Committee in writing by the appropriate Assistant Commissioner and documented with supporting data that indicates the reason for the decision.
What types of projects does Complete Streets apply to?
All new and retrofit transportation facilities within public right of way that are federally funded or state funded, including projects processed or administered through the Department's Capital Progam.
How can I get more information?
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has more information on Complete Streets available, as well as links to national organizations and publications.


Last updated date: December 18, 2019 9:56 AM