A New Jersey state project to revitalize roadways between Jersey City and Bayonne continues to receive backlash from several Jersey City leaders. The project aims to rebuild over eight miles of roads and bridges between Interchange 14 and Jersey Avenue in Jersey City. City leaders say the project will increase traffic and have negative impacts on the environment, but others are saying the construction is necessary to update the aging infrastructure. As of August 2024, the plans continue to move forward as several design contracts have been approved. Here’s what we know about the NJ Turnpike Expansion Project.
About the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program
The Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program is under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and aims to improve the eight-mile stretch between Interchange 14 and Jersey Avenue by replacing bridges and adding lanes to the Turnpike. According to the program’s website, several benefits include relieving traffic congestion, addressing the impacts of climate change, accommodating the growth of surrounding areas, and supporting the overall safety of drivers using these roads.
Read More: Secret Entrances and Exits To + From Hoboken to Avoid Traffic
The plan is broken up into four projects. The first project with the highest priority is to replace 16 bridges, including the Newark Bay Bridge, between Interchange 14 and 14A with two bridges. The two new bridges will have four lanes in both directions, but while this is being constructed, the Newark Bay Bridge will remain open until construction is complete. The second highest priority project is between Columbus Drive and Jersey Avenue because of the significant maintenance required. Two lanes will be replaced with a new viaduct structure and add standard shoulders in both directions. This project will not add any new lanes.
From interchanges 14A to 14B, the viaduct and roadway will be replaced and have three lanes going in both directions. Between Interchange 14B to Columbus Drive, the viaduct will be rebuilt and have three lanes in each direction.
As of August 2024, the program is still in the preliminary design phase for the first project between Interchanges 14 and 14A. Per Patch Newark, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority board of commissioners approved several design contracts on Tuesday, August 27th to Micheal Baker International Inc. of Newark ($142 million), and Joseph M. Sanzari Inc. of Hackensack ($80 million). The plan is to start construction in 2026.
Pushback From Jersey City
Jersey City leaders have voiced their concerns about the upcoming program, mostly focused on the environmental impact and traffic concerns.
In a press release, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop worries the project will “[incite] worsening traffic and environmental hazards that can jeopardize the safety and well-being of our residents and families.” He and several Jersey City council members are asking the US Coast Guard to reject the NJTA’s assessment of environmental impacts and conduct its own independent study.
“The proposed Turnpike expansion raises significant concerns regarding its potential impact on our community…We must ensure that any development in our city is done with transparency and in the best interest of our residents,” Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman said.
Yet some are still in support of the program due to the age of Hudson County infrastructure. “Their lifespan is 50 years. We’re at 70 years. They have to be replaced,” Robert Briant Jr. from the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association told CBS News.
See More: Proposal Approved to Reduce Speed Limits in Montclair: What to Know
The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the NJTA for comment and will update this piece when we receive more information.
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Saunas to Get Your Sweat on in Hoboken + Jersey City
If you're looking for a new way to relax and indulge in self-care, saunas could be just what you need. Not only do saunas feel amazing, but they also provide numerous health benefits, and lucky for us, Hoboken + Jersey City are full of saunas aplenty for everyone to enjoy. Keep reading to discover where you can get your sweat on in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Traditional Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas
Before we get into the benefits, it’s important to understand the difference between traditional saunas and infrared saunas. Infrared saunas use infrared wavelengths that heat your body, unlike regular saunas which use humidity or steam to heat the room around you. Because of this, infrared saunas do not need to be as hot, which also means you can stay in the sauna longer. Traditional sauna sessions are usually about 10 to 20 minutes, while infrared sauna sessions can be anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
Owner of SW3AT Wellness in Jersey City, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez, explains to Hoboken Girl that both infrared saunas and steam saunas provide therapeutic and wellness aids such as relaxation and weight loss. However, their benefits differ due to their unique heating methods. Alyza further explains, “Infrared technology is more efficient as it promotes more sweating which provides one of the best detoxification methods out there. This detox is excreting harmful environmental toxins such as aluminum, cadmium, nickel, and more.
Read More: New Medspa Open on Park Avenue in Hoboken
The waves emitted by infrared saunas can penetrate deep inside the body and heat your tissues several inches deep, allowing your body to feel the heat from the inside which causes you to produce sweat releasing more toxins. In addition, this results in increased blood circulation which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Infrared saunas also alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and aid in muscle recovery. The Journal of American Medical Health even claimed you can burn up to 600 calories in a 30-minute session."
Hoboken
120 Degrees F | 720 Monroe St Suite E310A
120 Degrees F in Hoboken has infrared sauna sessions available for one person or two for a duration of 30 or 60 minutes. Aside from sauna services, 120 Degrees F also offers a multitude of spa services like facials, cupping, and massages. Memberships and packages are also available on the website.
Attain Medspa | 720 Monroe St Suite E407
Attain Medspa offers infrared sauna services in addition to their array of medspa specialties. Attain recommends using infrared saunas as a winter retread to help boost metabolism and detoxify.
Crunch Fitness | 113 River Street
Crunch Fitness is a gym that provides both a sauna and steam room with membership. This spot, located near the waterfront, is just a short walk from the PATH. For those who hate running on the treadmill, burn some extra calories during a sauna session.
Local Barre Social Club | 720 Monroe Street C300
This spa in Hoboken provides a full-service infrared sauna, which is available to book daily from 8AM to 8PM. Each session includes 30 minutes in the sauna and five or 10 minutes in the private sauna room. Guests can book by calling the front desk at 201-904-2330 or through the business's app.
Psyth Sauna | 36 Newark Street, Suite 402
Psyth Sauna offers infrared sauna therapy for in 30 minute, 45 minute, and 60 minute sessions. Guests can even book with a friend. Psyth Sauna also offers red light therapy, halo therapy, and compression therapy.
Woodhouse Spa | 225 River Street
Woodhouse Spa offers infrared sauna sessions to support clients full body renewal. Woodhouse Spa suggests pairing a sauna service with a sports massage and black sand exfoliation session.
XCEL Athletic Lifestyle | 125 Marshall Street, 7th Floor
XCEL Athletic Lifestyle is a rooftop fitness club offering everything from aquatics to group classes and personal training sessions. A dry sauna is also available in-house.
Zen Om Studio | 129 Washington Street # 200
At this Hoboken spa, Hudson County locals can enjoy various kinds of cryotherapy, LED light therapy, compression therapy, PEMF therapy, and, of course, infrared sauna therapy. As a lovely addition, Zen Om Studio includes chromotherapy, a specific kind of light therapy, with every sauna session. Note that this spa requests a 2-hour notice for sauna bookings.
Jersey City
Basebody Spa | 60 Christopher Columbus Drive
Photo credit: Basebody Spa
At Basebody Spa in Jersey City, guests can find sauna, stream, and towel services. In addition, this spa specializes in massages, including CBD deep tissue massage, chakra balancing massage, prenatal massage, and stress fix massage. Other amenities of the space include luxury locker rooms, fitness classes, personal training, and more.
Chilltown Fitness | 517 Communipaw Avenue
Chilltown Fitness is a strength and conditioning gym in Jersey City that also has an in-house sauna program. For more information and pricing visit the website.
Enso Sauna Studio | 390 Central Avenue
Enso Sauna in Jersey City Heights offers innovative infrared sauna light therapy. The sauna studio has both red light therapy and color-light therapy to promote healing and cellular regeneration. This gentle experience is a great way to unwind and can support health goals, muscle relaxation, and more.
om.life Wellness | 18 Park View Avenue, Suite 2A
Photo credit: om.life Wellness
Om.life Wellness provides infrared sauna services and customizes them according to each client’s needs. Customers can use the LCD touch-screen control panel inside the sauna to choose their desired results such as detoxification, anti-aging, weight loss, relaxation, cardiovascular, pain relief, or a custom one. Om.life also offers chromotherapy. After the session, guests are invited to drink a cup of alkaline Kangen water in the upstairs lounge while looking over the beautiful marina.
META Bodywork | 75 Montgomery Street, #202
META Bodywork in Jersey City is best known for their massage services. As an add on, customers can also experience the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket after a massage for extra detoxification.
Salvation Wellness | 30 Provost Street
This gem in Jersey City covers all of your self-care needs, from facials to massages to sauna services. The infrared sauna is located in their studio and can be experienced through the deluxe package. The infrared sauna experience, which lasts for 30 minutes, can be paired with a massage, meditation, or enjoyed on its own.
Suite Tee | 172 Newark Avenue, 3rd Floor
Suite Tee in Jersey City is the go-to for all your beauty services. In addition to waxing, nails, and tanning, this spot provides sauna services.
SW3AT Wellness | 317 Central Avenue
Photo credit: SW3AT Wellness
SW3AT Wellness, Jersey City’s first infrared sauna studio, is located in the Historic Downtown area of the city. Each sauna is situated in a private room, making it a comfortable experience for customers. Visitors can take advantage of the complimentary chromotherapy, or color therapy, in each of the saunas to adjust emotional or mental states. Another perk that customers can enjoy is listening to their own music on a speaker inside the sauna. There is the pricing for one-time sessions, as well as membership packages for added savings and perks.
Bonus
Island Spa + Sauna | 1769 Lincoln Highway, Edison
This Korean spa in Edison provides eight kinds of sauna services, some of which include Aromatic Therapy Sauna, which utilizes high humidity levels and essential oils, Ice Island, an ice sauna that aims to cool the core body temperature down, and more. See all the kinda of sauna services offered here.
See More: A Trip to Aura Head Spa in Montclair, New Jersey
SoJo Spa Club | 660 River Road, Edgewater
SoJo Spa Club is a Korean bathhouse known for its distinctive saunas and rooms. At this spa, guests can find a Himalayan Salt Sauna, a Charcoal Sauna, a Red Clay Sauna, a White Clay Sauna, a Ganbanyoku Sauna, which features a Japanese-style “bedrock bathing” experience, and a Far Infrared Sauna.
SweatHouz | 725 River Road Edgewater
SweatHouz will soon be opening an infrared sauna in Edgewater focusing on contrast therapy (immediately transitioning from hot to cold). While no official opening date has yet to be released the website states that the space will include private suites, with infrared saunas, cold plunges, and vitamin C showers.
