Gov. Chris Christie has signed an executive order that will make general funds available for emergency road work projects. The order comes as the Transportation Trust Fund Authority is days away from becoming empty.

New Jersey's lawmakers have not made any progress on legislation that would replenish the fund. A plan to raise the state's gas tax by 23 cents has come to a stalemate between the Assembly and Senate.

"No evident progress has been made by the Legislature to pass a single, viable bill to reauthorize the TTFA," the governor said in a statement. "A well-maintained transportation infrastructure is essential to the operation of New Jersey's economy and the people who rely upon it in all aspects of their daily lives."

Christie said that until the Senate and Assembly pass an acceptable funding bill, the state "must use money from the general fund for emergency road, bridge, and mass transportation work."

The governor previously signed an executive order to delay all non-essential road and transportation projects in the state.

Road crews have been out of work since the order was signed on June 30. Workers have since held rallies asking lawmakers to approve legislation so they can go back to work.