New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson on May 2 launched New Jersey’s Adopt-A-Highway program to fight litter and keep New Jersey highways beautiful.
The event, held at the Coca-Cola Distribution Center on Route 130 in Middlesex County, marked the revival of the volunteer program that is expected to become a prominent component of the Department’s Clean Up NJ initiative, giving companies and organizations the opportunity to support well-maintained and attractive roadways in the Garden State. The Commissioner was joined by volunteers who will be among the first to adopt a section of highway.
“This is an exciting day not only for the Department but for all New Jersey residents who will team up with us to help keep our highways neat in appearance,” Simpson said in a press release. “Well-maintained highways convey a sense of pride and send a message to potential employers that New Jersey is a great place to establish a business.”
Simpson was joined at the event by Coca-Cola Distribution Center executives and employees and by officials from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC). The event included the unveiling of an Adopt-A-Highway sign that will become increasingly prevalent as groups sign on to participate.The signs and acknowledgement panels identifying the volunteer groups will be placed along adopted segments of highway.
Coca-Cola employees will adopt a one-mile segment of Route 130 near the distribution center. Volunteers will pick up litter along the northbound and southbound shoulders, but for safety reasons will leave the narrow median to NJDOT crews. NJDOT has entered into a contract with the NJCCC for administrative support. NJCCC is a non-profit organization that was originally formed under the 1986 Clean Communities Act. Its mission is to educate the public and promote programs that fight litter.
