Traffic Alerts

NJDOT issues commercial vehicle travel restrictions on multiple Interstate highways beginning Friday at 3 a.m.

Restrictions do not apply to New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 3 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, January 19 based on the forecast for snow statewide.

Winter weather is expected to begin overnight tonight and worsen through the day on Friday, which could make driving conditions treacherous. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 3 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, January 19 and will be in place until further notice for the following highways in both directions:

• I-76 (entire length)
• I-78 (entire length)
• I-80 (entire length)
• I-195 (entire length)
• I-280 (entire length)
• I-287 (entire length)
• I-295 (entire length)
• I-676 (entire length)
• NJ Route 440 (both directions from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287)

The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:

• All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

This restriction DOES NOT apply to:

• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway
• Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.

Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.

NJDOT is coordinating with all state and regional transportation agencies to ensure the most effective response to the storm. In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow, motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response. If you must drive, motorists are advised to:

• SLOW DOWN and obey posted speed limits
• 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
• Leave early and allow extra time
• Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
• Use caution on bridges and ramps
• If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
• Be patient and use caution
• Keep an emergency kit in your car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks, blanket, and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Managements web site for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml

To understand the purpose and need for Commercial Vehicle Travel Restrictions, watch this video. NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide winter driving alerts, as well as the NJDOT Facebook page and X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information

UPDATE

Effective 8:30 AM, Thursday, January 18^th, 2024, the Commercial Vehicle Ban on the New York State Thruway System from Exit 46 (Rochester – Corning - I-390) to the Pennsylvania State Line, and I-190 (Both Directions) has been lifted. 

All commercial vehicles can resume normal operations at that time.   

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Tandem Operators:

Due to the inclement weather in the Buffalo Area, effective immediately, All COMMERCIAL VEHICLES are banned from traveling on the New York State Thruway System from Exit 46 (Rochester – Corning – I-390) to the Pennsylvania State line and all of I-190 (Both Directions) until further notice.

Expect State Police enforcement.  Violators may be ticketed and/or LCV/Tandem operators will risk suspension of their authorization to travel on the Thruway System. 

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced that Route 18 southbound is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight Wednesday and Thursday as a pavement project advances in East Brunswick, Middlesex County.

Beginning at 9 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17, until 6 a.m. Thursday, January 18, and again on Thursday night at the same times, NJDOT’s contractor, Earle Asphalt, is scheduled to close Route 18 southbound from Racetrack Road to Rues Lane. The closure is necessary to repair the gas main. The following detour will be in place:

Route 18 southbound:

• Motorists on Route 18 southbound will be directed to take the exit ramp for Racetrack Road and turn right
• Turn left onto Summerhill Road/CR 613 southbound
• Turn left onto Rues Lane/CR 617 eastbound, back to Route 18

This work is part of the $86.1 million federally funded Route 18, East Brunswick, Drainage and Pavement Rehabilitation project that will make repairs on approximately four and a half miles of Route 18 in East Brunswick, Middlesex County. Work includes milling and paving, improvements to the drainage systems and storm water basins, utility relocation, installation of new sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps and upgrading guiderail. Improvements will also be made to various intersections throughout the project limits. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

Variable messaging signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT or on the NJDOT Facebook page.

Starting tomorrow, January 12th, 2024, at 9:00 PM, All empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers will be prohibited due to expected high winds. The pedestrian walkways at the Marine Parkway and Cross Bay Bridges will also be closed. The pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy and Henry Hudson Bridges will remain open weather permitting. Avoid unnecessary travel.

Out of an abundance of caution and our concern for all involved, please be advised that due to the forecasted storm calling for extremely heavy rain and high winds (gusts up to 60 mph) for tonight, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Maher Terminals and the Maher Empty Depot operated by Columbia will be closing for truck line activity at 4:00 p.m. today. Maher Terminals and the Maher Empty Depot operated by Columbia will be open for truck line activity at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024. If there are any changes regarding Wednesday’s gate opening we will communicate the changes to the trade accordingly.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels report:  Starting, today January 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM until 6:00 A.M. Wednesday, Jan 10.  All empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers will be prohibited due to expected high winds. The pedestrian walkways at the Marine Parkway and Cross Bay Bridges will also be closed. The pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy and Henry Hudson Bridges will remain open, weather permitting. Avoid unnecessary travel.

• Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
• Cross Bay Bridge
• Marine Parkway Bridge
• Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
• Throgs Neck Bridge
• Verrazano Narrows Bridge

UPDATE………..

The following vehicle restrictions will go into place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 9,

Tier 2 Restrictions:

I-90 both directions west of NY State Line/ PA State Line, entire length within the state of Pennsylvania (Ripley)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Riky2hTFPXhH28Hh6

I-86 both directions west of NY State Line/ PA State Line, entire length within the state of Pennsylvania (Mina)

 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XYhGv1KWER2LRPMfA

Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

•          Tractors without trailers.

•          Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.

•          Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.

•          Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).

•          Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.

•          Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.

•          Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.

•          School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs.

•          Motorcycles.

UPDATE………

Due to High Wind Warnings the following vehicle restrictions will go into place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 9,

All Tandem combination vehicles (long and short) as well as empty trucks and trailers will be banned on:

NYS Thruway (I-90) from Exit 36 (Watertown – Binghamton – I-81) to the Pennsylvania State Line

https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2ugeAHoGZ9XEnMp9

As well as the entire I-190 (both directions)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/a54KzKPtqoEB9iz47

The ban will be in effect until further notice.

Please use extreme caution and adjust speed as necessary when traveling on roadways.

Governor Murphy Declares A State Of Emergency Across All 21 Counties - Effective Tuesday January 9, 2024 at 5:00 PM

CLICK HERE to read the Emergency Order.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY STATE THRUWAY AUTHORITY ALERT

Tandem and Empty Truck and Trailer Ban - Exit 36 (Watertown – Binghamton – I-81) to the Pennsylvania State Line, and I-190 (Both Directions

Attention Tandem Operators:

The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Warnings for Central and Western New York starting 7:00 AM, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. 

As a result, effective 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 9^th, all Tandem combination vehicles (long and short) as well as empty trucks and trailers are banned on the NYS Thruway (I-90) from Exit 36 (Watertown – Binghamton – I-81) to the Pennsylvania State Line, as well as the entire I-190 (both directions). The ban will be in effect until further notice.

Please use extreme caution and adjust speed as necessary when traveling on roadways.  

MTA Preparations Underway for High Winds and Heavy Rain Expected ­­­­Tuesday and Wednesday­ 

MTA Bridges & Tunnels 

Based on the current weather forecast, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 6:00 a.m. The ban is expected to be in place until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10.

“High winds are always a particular concern for long-span bridges,” said MTA Bridges & Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan. “MTA Bridges and Tunnels’ personnel will closely monitor the weather conditions and wind speeds and are ready to respond immediately to any issues which occur.”

Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge will be closed during this time. Pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Henry Hudson Bridge will remain open as weather conditions permit. 

Starting Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, at 6:00 PM, All empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers will be prohibited due to expected high winds. The pedestrian walkways at the Marine Parkway and Cross Bay Bridges will also be closed. The pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy and Henry Hudson Bridges will remain open weather permitting.  

NJDOT issues commercial vehicle travel restrictions on multiple Interstate highways beginning today at 2 p.m.

Restrictions do not apply to New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, 

or Atlantic City Expressway

 New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting today at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6 based on the forecast for snow with greater accumulations in northern and western parts of the state.

Winter weather is expected to begin Saturday afternoon, which could make driving conditions treacherous, particularly in North Jersey. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Saturday and Sunday.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin today at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6 and will be in place until further notice for the following highways in both directions:

·     I-78, entire length from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)

·     I-80, entire length from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)

·     I-280, entire length from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)

·     I-287, entire length from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border

·     NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287

The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:

·     All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)

·     Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks

·     Passenger vehicles pulling trailers

·     Recreational vehicles

·     Motorcycles

This restriction DOES NOT apply to:

·     The New Jersey Turnpike

·     The Garden State Parkway

·     The Atlantic City Expressway

·     Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.

Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.

NJDOT is coordinating with all state and regional transportation agencies to ensure the most effective response to the storm. In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow, motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response. If you must drive, motorists are advised to:

• ·      SLOW DOWN and obey posted speed limits
• ·       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
• ·       Leave early and allow extra time
• ·       Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
• ·       Use caution on bridges and ramps
• ·       If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
• ·       Be patient and use caution
• ·       Keep an emergency kit in your car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks, blanket, and other items.

See the NJ Office of Emergency Managements web site for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml

To understand the purpose and need for Commercial Vehicle Travel Restrictions, watch this video.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide winter driving alerts, as well as the NJDOT Facebook page and X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.