Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 1, Sweden’s Skanska has secured a project management contract for a $312 million, 420-bed women’s prison in Chesterfield Township, New Jersey. Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS) will provide owner’s representative services, overseeing design, planning, and construction. The company’s responsibilities include schedule management, logistical coordination, and construction supervision.

The new facility, to be built on a 33-acre site, will replace the existing Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. It is designed to allow inmates to move between multiple buildings offering education, vocational training, addiction treatment, and medical care. The prison aims to provide a modern environment that supports rehabilitation and prepares women for successful reintegration into society.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said: “This groundbreaking represents a new chapter of criminal justice for New Jersey – one built on safety, dignity, and rehabilitation. This new, state-of-the-art facility reflects our dedication to providing a safe, secure, and healthier environment for our state’s incarcerated women as they work toward rebuilding their lives for the better. Together with our partners, our Administration is building a more trustworthy and transparent criminal justice system focused on safety, recovery, and redemption.”

Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq, New Jersey’s Department of Corrections commissioner, added: “By constructing a purpose-built facility, we are creating the normative conditions that are conducive to rehabilitation, successful reentry, and improved conditions for our staff, the women in our custody, and the broader public.”

The project follows the 2021 announcement by Governor Murphy to close the former Mahan Correctional Facility, New Jersey’s only women’s prison, due to violent and abusive incidents. The new facility is intended to address past shortcomings by providing a safer and more supportive environment for both staff and inmates.

Skanska’s role as project manager will involve close collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, quality control, and adherence to safety and operational standards. The prison’s design emphasizes accessibility, program flexibility, and operational efficiency while integrating modern construction practices.

The Chesterfield Township project reflects a broader trend in the United States toward building correctional facilities that prioritize rehabilitation, mental health support, and vocational development, moving beyond purely punitive approaches. By providing spaces for education and treatment alongside secure housing, the facility is expected to contribute to reduced recidivism and improved outcomes for incarcerated women.

Construction is expected to proceed under close oversight from Skanska and New Jersey authorities, ensuring that the facility meets operational, safety, and programmatic objectives. The new prison represents a significant investment in the state’s criminal justice infrastructure, supporting Governor Murphy’s vision of a system focused on rehabilitation, safety, and transparency.

Overall, the $312 million Chesterfield Township women’s prison project positions New Jersey to offer a modern, secure, and rehabilitative environment, replacing the outdated Mahan facility and advancing the state’s commitment to safe and effective correctional practices.