Warren County asks NJTPA to add comprehensive 'Fix the S‑Curve' study to long-range plan

The Warren County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a request May 28 asking the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority to include a comprehensive “Fix the S‑Curve Study” in its Long Range Transportation Plan. On a motion by Commissioner James Kern III, seconded by Deputy Director Lori Ciesla, the board adopted Resolution 294-25; the recorded vote was James Kern III, Lori Ciesla and Director Jason Sarnoski: yes. The resolution asks the NJTPA to examine safety, mobility and congestion on Interstate 80 from Exit 4 (Columbia) to the Delaware Water Gap Bridge. It calls for the study to incorporate prior problem statements, a county-commissioned truck-circulation evaluation, rockfall mitigation efforts, the structural condition of an eastbound retaining wall and ramp and overpass deficiencies at Simpson Road. Why it matters: The resolution cites NJDOT crash reporting showing a 2022 crash rate of 2.65 crashes per million vehicle miles traveled on the I‑80 S‑Curve between mileposts 0.98 and 1.53 — more than double the statewide I‑80 average of 1.22 — and notes that section is the only portion of I‑80 in New Jersey with just two lanes and no shoulders. Local officials and residents have expressed concern about prolonged construction impacts and unresolved safety hazards such as sharp curve radii, limited sight distance, lack of shoulders and short merge lanes. The resolution references two formal NJDOT problem-statement submissions by Knowlton Township (2017 and 2020), a February 2025 county-commissioned Traffic Engineering Evaluation of Truck Circulation Issues, and multiple municipal and county resolutions across New Jersey and Pennsylvania backing a broader study. Commissioners spoke in support. Director Jason Sarnoski said he and others have worked on the issue for several months and that, as a member of the NJTPA Executive Board, he would continue to press for action. Deputy Director Lori Ciesla noted the county’s recent experience with travel disruption on Interstate 80 and said a comprehensive study should address safety and rockfall concerns together. The board’s resolution asks NJTPA to include study elements such as findings from NV5’s truck circulation work, previous problem statements, rockfall mitigation, the S‑Curve retaining wall structural review, and Simpson Road overpass and ramp issues. The resolution directs copies be sent to NJTPA and neighboring jurisdictions and encourages them to file supporting resolutions or letters. The board recorded the vote as unanimous in favor of the request.