New Jersey Department of Transportation facts for kids
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is a government group that manages how people and goods move around New Jersey. Think of them as the people who make sure roads are smooth, signs are clear, and traffic flows well. They also help with train travel. The NJDOT looks after the state's roads, creates rules for transportation, and solves problems related to getting around. The person in charge of the NJDOT is called the Commissioner of Transportation. Right now, that's Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.
Contents
How the NJDOT Started
The New Jersey Department of Transportation was created in 1966. This was a big deal because it was the very first state transportation agency in the entire United States! Later, in 1979, they added a special division just for trains. This happened around the same time that New Jersey Transit was formed, which is another important group for public transportation.
Since the late 1970s, the NJDOT has been busy changing many traffic circles in New Jersey. Traffic circles are round intersections, and the NJDOT has been working to make them safer and easier to drive through.
What the NJDOT Does Every Day
Managing New Jersey's Roads
The NJDOT is responsible for a huge network of roads – about 2,316 miles of them! They take care of almost all the major roads in New Jersey. However, there are a few big roads they don't manage. These include the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and the bridges and tunnels that are part of the Interstate Highway System. These specific roads are managed by other groups.
Supporting Train Travel
The NJDOT has also been a big supporter of passenger trains in New Jersey since the 1960s. They have bought many different railroad companies over the years to help improve train services for people. The NJDOT is also a member of the Northeast Corridor Commission. This group works to improve train travel along the busy Northeast Corridor, which connects major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Controlling Traffic and Incidents
The NJDOT has a special place called the Traffic Management Center. It's located in Woodbridge, New Jersey. This center is very important for keeping traffic moving smoothly.
The New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority also work from this center. Together, they watch over New Jersey's transportation resources all day, every day. If there's a big accident, a major traffic jam, or any other important event, the center helps manage the situation and keep everyone safe.
Images for kids
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The main headquarters building of the NJDOT in Ewing, New Jersey.
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This map shows the different regions that the NJDOT divides New Jersey into for managing transportation.
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A look inside the State Traffic Management Center (STMC), where traffic is monitored.
See also
In Spanish: Departamento de Transporte de Nueva Jersey para niños
