CNBNews

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

 (Trenton) (January 31, 2021)--– 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 12 noon, Sunday, January 31 based on the forecast for heavy snow and strong winds.

Winter weather is expected to begin in the southern region of the state around midday Sunday and move northward, resulting in difficult driving conditions through Tuesday. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads, particularly Sunday night and Monday. The safest place to be is at home.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 12 noon, Sunday, January 31 and will be in place for the length of the following highways in both directions:

• I-76, from the Walt Whitman Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to NJ Route 42
• I-78, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-80, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-195, from I-295 to NJ Route 138
• I-280, from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
• I-295, from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
• I-676, from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to I-76
• 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’s first priority is ensuring public safety. The storm is expected to intensify Sunday evening through Monday, making it challenging for plow crews to keep pace with the storm. The Department is fully activated with more than 3,000 plows and salt spreaders ready to clear state highways.

Early Monday morning, NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police. Additional towing assets are prepositioned statewide to assist disabled vehicles to ensure Interstate and State highways remain clear for plow crews.

NJDOT is coordinating with all state and regional transportation agencies to ensure the most effective response to the impending weather. In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

Residents and motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response. If you do not have to be on the roads during the storm, stay home. If you must drive, do so carefully and plan your trips accordingly, road conditions can change in an instant.

If you see crews on the roads, please stay back and do not pass them. They are clearing the roadways for your safety. If you have to drive, NJDOT advises motorists to:

• Leave early and allow extra time
• Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled
• SLOW DOWN, and obey posted speed limits
• Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
• Use caution on bridges and ramps
• 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
• 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, and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Management web site for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml

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

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