New Jersey, October 16, 2025
The construction of a new $310 million women’s prison in New Jersey is about to start, focusing on modern facilities and rehabilitation programs. This project aims to provide better support for female inmates’ reintegration into society, highlighting state officials’ commitment to safety and education within the corrections system.
Chesterfield, NJ: Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of New $310 Million Women’s Correctional Facility
On October 15, 2025, New Jersey officials initiated the construction of a new 420-bed, $310 million women’s correctional facility in Chesterfield Township, Burlington County. This facility is set to replace the outdated Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, which has faced significant issues, including a 2021 incident where over a dozen correctional officers were arrested for assaulting incarcerated women.
Project Details
The new facility will be built on a 33-acre state-owned plot in Chesterfield Township. Designed with a trauma-informed, campus-style layout, it aims to provide a safer and more rehabilitative environment for incarcerated women. The facility will offer centralized services, including education, vocational training, medical care, and recreational activities, all intended to support successful reentry into society.
Timeline and Financial Implications
Construction is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase opening in 2027 and full completion by 2028. The project is projected to save the state over $160 million in deferred maintenance and capital costs that would have been required to maintain the previous site.
Background Context
The decision to close the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility was influenced by a series of troubling incidents, including widespread sexual misconduct that led to federal oversight. In 2021, more than a dozen correctional officers were arrested for assaulting incarcerated women during a violent night of forced cell extractions. The new facility is part of New Jersey’s broader efforts to modernize its correctional system, focusing on safety, dignity, and rehabilitation for female inmates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the new women’s correctional facility in Chesterfield, NJ?
The new facility aims to replace the outdated Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, providing a safer and more rehabilitative environment for incarcerated women. It will offer centralized services, including education, vocational training, medical care, and recreational activities, all intended to support successful reentry into society.
When is the new facility expected to open?
Construction is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase opening in 2027 and full completion by 2028.
How will the new facility impact state finances?
The project is projected to save the state over $160 million in deferred maintenance and capital costs that would have been required to maintain the previous site.
What led to the decision to close the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility?
The decision was influenced by a series of troubling incidents, including widespread sexual misconduct that led to federal oversight. In 2021, more than a dozen correctional officers were arrested for assaulting incarcerated women during a violent night of forced cell extractions.
What are the key features of the new facility?
The facility will be built on a 33-acre state-owned plot in Chesterfield Township. Designed with a trauma-informed, campus-style layout, it aims to provide a safer and more rehabilitative environment for incarcerated women. The facility will offer centralized services, including education, vocational training, medical care, and recreational activities, all intended to support successful reentry into society.
Key Features of the New Women’s Correctional Facility
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 33-acre state-owned plot in Chesterfield Township, Burlington County |
| Capacity | 420 beds |
| Design | Trauma-informed, campus-style layout with centralized services |
| Services Offered | Education, vocational training, medical care, recreational activities |
| Construction Timeline | First phase opening in 2027; full completion by 2028 |
| Financial Impact | Projected savings of over $160 million in deferred maintenance and capital costs |
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Author: Construction NJ News
NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER The NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnjnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Jersey and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New Jersey Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey and the New Jersey Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Gibbons P.C. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
