Estimating Improvement Costs for Walking, Wheeling, and Bicycling
A cost estimate establishes the anticipated budget required to implement improvements for walking, bicycling, and using other wheeled devices. A cost estimate should include all details associated with completing a project or program. This estimate typically includes a line item for all materials used, along with an estimated quantity and unit price for each. Preliminary cost estimates for infrastructure projects or physical improvements should include “soft costs,” such as planning, environmental documentation, right-of-way and easement acquisitions, necessary permits, inspection, and final design. Cost estimates for non-infrastructure related projects should consider all anticipated pay items and expenses related to the activity.

Why Have a Cost Estimate?
Developing a cost estimate will assist in:
- Identifying the necessary funding required to implement improvements or programs
- Setting project limits by defining a complete, identifiable, and usable facility or activity
- Identifying all associated costs including “soft costs” such as environmental documentation, permits, inspections, planning and design activities
Who Completes the Cost Estimate?
When applying for funding for infrastructure (or physical) improvements, a professional engineer should complete the cost estimate in accordance with Federal guidelines. The assistance of an engineer is vital given the numerous factors, such as impacts to utilities and drainage, that can greatly influence the cost of a project. An engineer will also ensure that your project is developed in accordance with the current engineering design standards.
In New Jersey, roadway ownership can be by municipality, county, or the state. It is important to discuss safety needs and goals with your municipal government before reaching out to your county or the state about safety issues and needs.
How Much Do Typical Infrastructure Improvements Cost?
Click here to see a table of Infrastructure/Engineering Improvement Costs (updated May 2022)
How Much Do Typical Non-Infrastructure Improvements Cost?
New Jersey Department of Transportation supports all eight New Jersey Transportation Management Associations to work with schools and towns on a wide variety of bicycle and pedestrian safety programs, including:
- Walk to School Day Events
- Bike and Pedestrian Safety Presentations
- Bicycle Rodeos / Skills Clinics
- Walking School Bus
- Frequent Walker Programs
- Walkability and Bikeability Audits
- School Travel Plans
- Infrastructure and Funding Assistance
Contact your Regional Safe Routes Coordinator for assistance.
Promoting Safe Routes:
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Find your local NJ Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Safe Routes to School Coordinators throughout New Jersey offer free technical assistance to your school and community to encourage children to walk and bike to school, where it is safe. Servicing all 21 counties in New Jersey, find out how they can help and who to contact.
This video was developed by NJ Safe Routes Resource Center at Rutgers University, on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funds from the Federal Highway Administration.
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Bicycling is Empowering!
Bicycling gains confidence, self-esteem, and independence -- getting to school or wherever kids want to go -- all while having fun!
This video was developed by the New Jersey Safe Routes Resource Center at Rutgers University, on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funds from the Federal Highway Administration.
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Is Zero Achievable?
How many crashes do you think take place annually in NJ? The current number of crashes is far more than you may think, and the number of fatal crashes may surprise you even more. Is zero an achievable number of fatal crashes in New Jersey? -
Celebrate Walk to School Day in New Jersey
Celebrate walk and bike to school in New Jersey! Find out how!
This video was developed by NJ Safe Routes Resource Center at Rutgers University, on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funds from the Federal Highway Administration.
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The Complete Streets Movement In New Jersey (Short Version)
What are Complete Streets? NJDOT highlights communities throughout NJ that have made improvements so that people who walk, bike, or drive can do so safely
This video was developed by NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center at Rutgers University, on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funds from the Federal Highway Administration.
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Like & Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafeRoutesNJ/
Keep up with us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/saferoutesnj