Gov. Mikie Sherrill has ended the debate over the future of the Newark Bay Bridge extension.

She has asked the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to move forward with building one new bridge at a cost of $6.7 billion.

Mayors in Newark and Jersey City fully support the plan.

Sherrill said the project will support about 19,000 jobs and allow traffic to begin shifting off the current bridge in about five years.

Many residents and advocacy groups opposed a previous proposal to build two bridges and double the number of lanes through Bayonne and Jersey City, arguing it would negatively affect nearby communities.

A specific start date for construction has not yet been announced.