Multiple crashes and heavy rush-hour congestion are slowing traffic across New Jersey Monday morning, with significant delays reported on the Garden State Parkway, Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge.
New Jersey commuters faced a difficult start to the workweek Monday as several crashes and volume-related backups created delays across major highways and river crossings into New York City.
Motorists encountered lane closures in Trenton, Deptford and Ridgewood, while commuters heading toward Manhattan saw travel times climb to as much as 45 minutes at key Hudson River crossings.
Key Points
• Crashes reported on Route 29 in Trenton, Route 42 in Deptford and Route 17 in Ridgewood
• Garden State Parkway experiencing delays of up to 10 miles in North Jersey
• Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge travel times reaching 35 to 45 minutes
A crash on Route 29 northbound in Trenton was among the most significant incidents reported Monday morning. As of 8:22 a.m., two of three northbound lanes were closed north of Calhoun Street, creating delays through the capital city.
Another crash was reported on Route 42 southbound near Exit 13 for Route 55 in Deptford Township. Authorities said the right shoulder remained closed as crews responded to the scene.
Route 17 crash slows Bergen County traffic
In Bergen County, a crash on Route 17 northbound north of Paramus Road in Ridgewood closed one of three travel lanes during the height of the morning rush.
The incident was reported shortly after 7:20 a.m. and contributed to slower traffic conditions on one of North Jersey’s busiest commuter corridors.
Meanwhile, drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur experienced delays near Interchange 15W in Kearny, where traffic volume created a backup stretching approximately 1.5 miles.
Garden State Parkway backups stretch for miles
Heavy congestion developed on several sections of the Garden State Parkway Monday morning.
The longest backup was reported on the northbound Parkway from south of Exit 143 in Irvington Township to Exit 153A near Route 3 in Clifton. Traffic delays stretched roughly 10 miles despite all travel lanes remaining open.
Additional northbound delays extended for about five miles from the Colonia Service Area in Woodbridge Township to north of Exit 137 in Cranford Township.
Southbound motorists also encountered congestion from Bloomfield to Irvington, where traffic was backed up for approximately five miles during the morning commute.
Hudson River crossings see lengthy delays
Commuters traveling into New York City faced some of the longest delays of the morning.
At both the center and south tubes of the Lincoln Tunnel, travel times reached approximately 45 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E into Manhattan.
The George Washington Bridge was also heavily congested. Travel times reached 45 minutes on the upper level and 35 minutes on the lower level from Interstate 80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge.
Drivers approaching the Holland Tunnel encountered delays of up to 30 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14C and 25 minutes from Route 139 at Tonnelle Circle.
Truck restrictions remain in place
Commercial vehicle operators were also advised of ongoing restrictions at the George Washington Bridge lower level.
Transportation officials said all commercial vehicles exiting at Exit 73 from Route 46, Route 4 and the Interstate 95 local lanes should remain to the left and use Exit 73 when approaching from the Interstate 95 express lanes.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time throughout the morning as crews continue responding to crashes and congestion across the state.
