NJ explores privatizing road work
New Jersey is exploring whether the private sector can maintain roads cheaper than the state Transportation Department.
A pilot program would award a three-year contract for companies to replace DOT workers in Summit, Ocean and Deptford. DOT spokesman Joe Dee tells The Record newspaper the displaced workers would be absorbed into other existing work crews.
Dee emphasized the state has made no commitment to launching the program. He says the final decision rests with Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson and the Christie administration.
State highway maintenance workers are in the midst of negotiating a new contract.
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