Crashes, Signal Failure Snarl NJ Commute as Tunnel, Bridge Delays Hit 45 Minutes
NEWARK, N.J. — A series of crashes, lane closures, and a malfunctioning traffic signal are choking New Jersey’s Monday morning commute, with travel times to New York City stretching up to 45 minutes at major crossings, according to state traffic reports.
The most severe backups are building at the Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge, where delays are compounding during peak rush hour.
Incidents stack up across North Jersey
Multiple trouble spots are contributing to the widespread slowdowns:
- In Egg Harbor Township, a malfunctioning traffic light on US 40 westbound east of English Creek Avenue has closed one of three lanes as of 8:20 a.m.
- A crash on the George Washington Bridge lower level eastbound is blocking one left lane heading into Manhattan as of 8:16 a.m.
- In Hasbrouck Heights, a debris spill on Route 17 northbound near Williams Avenue has shut down two of three right lanes since 7:55 a.m.
Each incident is limiting capacity on already busy routes, creating ripple effects well beyond the immediate areas.
Crossings into NYC see major delays
Inbound travel to Manhattan is taking a significant hit:
- Lincoln Tunnel (center and south tubes): დაახლოებით 45-minute delays from NJ Turnpike Exit 16E
- George Washington Bridge (upper and lower levels): about 30 minutes from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge
Even where all lanes are technically open, volume alone is pushing travel times higher.
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Key Points
• Crash on GW Bridge and debris on Route 17 causing lane closures
• Lincoln Tunnel delays reach 45 minutes into Manhattan
• Signal failure in Egg Harbor Township shutting one lane on US 40
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Highway congestion spreads beyond incident zones
Traffic is նաև backing up across several major corridors:
- I-280 eastbound: delays from the Garden State Parkway in East Orange to Newark
- I-287 northbound: heavy volume through Edison, Piscataway, and Franklin Township
Despite no lane closures in those areas, sustained commuter volume is slowing traffic significantly.
Ongoing restrictions and advisories
Separate from the morning incidents, truck restrictions remain in place on the George Washington Bridge lower level eastbound, directing commercial vehicles to specific exits, though all lanes are currently open.
Officials continue to advise drivers to allow extra time and expect changing conditions as crews respond to incidents and volume fluctuates.
What to expect for the rest of the morning
With multiple incidents still active and peak commute underway, delays are expected to persist into the late morning hours, especially on routes feeding into New York City.
As of the latest updates, no full clear times have been announced for the crash, debris spill, or signal issue, meaning congestion could continue even after lanes reopen.
Drivers and commuters should monitor live traffic updates and consider alternate routes where possible as conditions evolve.
