Rice, Cunningham Bill to Require Roadside Maintenance Safety Policies Advances from Senate

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Ronald L. Rice and Senator Sandra B. Cunningham that would require the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to implement safety policies for roadside maintenance workers advanced from the Senate today.

“When issues arise that require emergency maintenance, repairs must be made immediately regardless of the traffic volume,” said Senator Rice (D-Essex). “This bill protects the men and women of the Turnpike Authority who risk their lives providing the maintenance that keeps our state’s main artery viable.”

“For the workers who place themselves in harm’s way to keep our highways fully functional, accidents can be catastrophic, especially with vehicles traveling at high speeds,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “We must put precautions in place to ensure there are proper safeguards for their wellbeing.”

The bill, S-1246, would create several roadside maintenance safety policies, including precautions and limitations on work done during inclement weather and at night.

The bill was released from the full Senate by a vote of 38-0.