New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti announced a new communications campaign to help the public make better traveling decisions during winter weather events to improve safety and the Department’s ability to clear snow.

New Jersey is the most congested state in the nation, and in order to help clear the roads in winter weather, NJDOT and the public need to work together. A relatively routine winter weather system can wreak havoc in New Jersey when it occurs between 5am and 7pm, Monday thru Friday.

“In order for NJDOT to clear highways of snow and ice, we need roads free from traffic so our trucks can get through and do their job,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Our Winter Weather Congestion Alert plan is designed to alert the media and public when forecasted weather may cause congestion, and provide tips on what to do so our crews can get through to keep the roads clear, open, and safe.”

The Winter Weather Congestion Alerts may provide general tips such as to consider telecommuting if possible or more specific recommendations to avoid certain highways with inclines that are often problematic during a storm – such I-280 or parts of I-78 in western New Jersey. The media and public will be alerted through press releases, the NJDOT Facebook page, Twitter @NJDOT_info, VMS boards, and www.511nj.org.

Some ways NJDOT will encourage people to stay off the roads through alerts include:

• Telecommuting
• Traveling BEFORE the winter weather starts
• STAYING PUT while the winter weather is occurring - Wait a few hours for the storm to subside before heading out
• If you are traveling during the winter weather, PULL OFFsomewhere safe and wait it out
• Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks.  If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info.