Bill > S3938

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) to hire an independent engineer to review a transportation project when a safety-related dispute arises between the department and its contractor. An "independent engineer" is specifically defined as a professional who is not affiliated with or employed by either the DOT or the project contractor, but who meets professional qualifications determined by the department. When conducting the review, the independent engineer must investigate safety concerns raised by both the DOT and the contractor, as well as assess the project for any additional potential safety issues. The bill covers a broad range of transportation projects, including public highways and public transportation projects, as defined in a previous state law. The DOT is authorized to establish rules and regulations for implementing this process, including criteria for selecting the independent engineer, through the state's Administrative Procedure Act. The act would take effect immediately upon passage, providing a new mechanism for resolving safety disputes in transportation infrastructure projects.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3938