CNBNews

(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 10 p.m., Thursday, January 6 based on the forecast for several inches of snow. In addition, Gov. Murphy has issued a State of Emergency for the entire state beginning at 10 p.m.

Snow is expected to begin overnight with periods of heavy snow forecast after midnight through the morning commute. Snow is expected to continue through late morning/early afternoon on Friday. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel Thursday night and Friday morning.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 10 p.m., Thursday, January 6 and will be in place until further notice for the following highways in both directions:

• I-76, from the Walt Whitman Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to 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  north to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
• I-676, from the Ben Franklin Bridge (Pennsylvania border) to I-76

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 ice, 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 and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Managements 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 website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.