Drivers faced delays across North and Central Jersey Friday morning as an overturned tractor-trailer, vehicle fire, gas main break and multiple congestion hotspots slowed travel.
NEW JERSEY — Friday’s morning commute is off to a slow start for many drivers across the Garden State, with several incidents impacting major roadways and causing delays near Newark, Bordentown, Cranbury, Fort Lee and the Hudson River crossings.
The most significant incident remains on the New Jersey Turnpike in Cranbury Township, where an overturned tractor-trailer, vehicle fire and vehicle off the roadway continue to affect northbound traffic near the Molly Pitcher Service Area.
Key Points
• Overturned tractor-trailer and vehicle fire blocking lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike in Cranbury.
• Overturned vehicle reported on I-295 northbound at Exit 57 in Bordentown Township.
• Delays reported on the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Lincoln Tunnel approaches.
Turnpike crash remains major concern
Authorities reported that an overturned tractor-trailer, vehicle fire and vehicle off the roadway were impacting the outer roadway of the New Jersey Turnpike northbound near the Molly Pitcher Service Area in Cranbury Township.
One right lane and the shoulder remain blocked as crews continue working at the scene.
In Burlington County, an overturned vehicle was reported on I-295 northbound at Exit 57 for U.S. Route 130 in Bordentown Township. The ramp lane and right shoulder remain closed.
Parkway delays building in North Jersey
Commuters heading north on the Garden State Parkway are encountering delays in Essex County.
Traffic is backed up from south of Exit 143C near Route 124 in Irvington Township to south of Exit 145 near Interstate 280 in East Orange, creating approximately a two-mile delay.
Additional congestion is reported from Bloomfield to Clifton, where traffic is backed up between Exit 149 and Exit 153A for Route 3, resulting in a four-mile delay.
Tunnel and bridge crossings slowing
Drivers heading into New York City are seeing delays approaching the Lincoln Tunnel.
Officials reported a travel time of approximately 40 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E to the New York side of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, delays continue on the New Jersey Turnpike local lanes northbound between Leonia and Fort Lee due to congestion near the George Washington Bridge.
Truck restrictions remain in effect on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge eastbound, though all lanes are currently open.
Other incidents reported
A gas main break continues to affect Route 36 southbound in Middletown Township near Palmer Avenue, with one of two lanes closed.
In Newark, a disabled tractor-trailer was reported on Corbin Street near Kellogg Street, though alternate lanes remain open.
Heavy traffic is also being reported on U.S. Route 130 northbound between Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 206 in Bordentown Township.
Shore traffic remains light
For those planning an early trip to the Jersey Shore, travel times remained relatively smooth Friday morning.
Drivers leaving the Raritan Toll Plaza can expect travel times of approximately 25 minutes to Belmar, 59 minutes to Long Beach Island, 1 hour and 22 minutes to Atlantic City, and just under two hours to Wildwood.