Newark, NJ – Morning rain turned New Jersey’s rush hour into a gridlocked mess Thursday as slick roads caused a string of crashes and heavy backups across several major highways.
Commuters faced delays of up to 45 minutes on approaches to New York City as rain-slicked pavement slowed traffic and multiple accidents added to the chaos.
Transportation officials said drivers should expect residual delays through the morning as rain continues to impact road conditions and visibility.
Key Points
- Multiple crashes on I-295 and the Garden State Parkway added to widespread delays
- Bridge and tunnel approaches saw backups of up to 45 minutes
- Construction along NJ 17, US 46, and NJ 70 worsened morning congestion
Crashes complicate the morning drive
A crash on I-295 northbound near Exit 67 in Lawrence Township closed the right shoulder early Thursday, causing a significant slowdown through Mercer County. Additional incidents on the Garden State Parkway were reported in Bloomfield, Tinton Falls, and Little Egg Harbor Township. One left lane remained blocked south of Exit 102 as crews worked to clear debris, and wet roads continued to create treacherous conditions.
Long waits at Hudson River crossings
Drivers heading east into Manhattan faced some of the worst delays of the morning. Travel times through the Lincoln Tunnel reached 35 minutes from the Turnpike’s Exit 16E, while Holland Tunnel delays were close to half an hour. At the George Washington Bridge, travel times hovered between 40 and 45 minutes from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge as northbound traffic stacked up along I-95.
Construction worsens traffic
Construction crews added to the frustration. Work continued along NJ 27 in Linden, NJ 208 in Fair Lawn, and US 46 through Denville and Parsippany-Troy Hills, where shoulders remained closed for much of the day. Road work also slowed traffic on NJ 17 in Rutherford and Medford, and on NJ 70 in Burlington County. The combination of reduced lanes and steady rainfall made for one of the slowest commutes of the week.
Turnpike and Parkway delays persist
Traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike backed up for several miles, including a nine-mile delay between Woodbridge and Elizabeth. On the Garden State Parkway, northbound traffic crawled for 10 miles from Exit 130 to Exit 140, while a seven-mile southbound delay stretched between Bloomfield and Irvington. Additional congestion was reported on I-280, I-78, and NJ 24 through Essex and Morris counties.
Rain expected to ease by midday
Meteorologists said rain would taper by late morning, though damp roads may continue to affect travel into the afternoon. Transportation officials urged drivers to slow down, maintain safe distances, and watch for pooling water and lane closures as cleanup and construction work continue statewide.