Freezing temperatures and icy roads create treacherous morning commute in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — A combination of freezing temperatures and icy road conditions is wreaking havoc on New Jersey roadways Tuesday morning, leading to crashes, delays, and closures across the state during rush hour. Drivers are being urged to use caution as hazardous conditions persist in multiple areas.
Parkway speed advisory and salting operations
As of 7:39 a.m., weather-related advisories were issued for the Garden State Parkway, with a speed limit reduction to 45 miles per hour in District 1 – Swainton due to ongoing salting operations.
Major incidents causing full closures
In Woodbridge Township, a crash involving a downed pole and wires on US 9 near NJ 184 has resulted in all lanes being closed and traffic detoured. Similarly, in Haddon Township, all lanes of US 130 northbound are closed and detoured following a crash investigation and overturned vehicle north of I-76.
In Howell Township, a pedestrian accident on US 9 southbound at Strickland Road has also shut down all lanes, with detours in place.
Crashes with lane closures
Several crashes across the state have resulted in partial lane closures:
- On I-295 southbound in Cherry Hill Township, a crash near Exit 32 – CR 561/Haddonfield Berlin Road has closed one left lane.
- On NJ 10 eastbound in Denville Township, a crash with injuries near Hill Road has led to two left lanes being closed.
- On I-287 northbound in Edison Township, a crash near Exit 3 – New Durham Road has blocked two right lanes.
- On the Garden State Parkway northbound in Sayreville, a crash near Exit 124 – Main Street has blocked the right shoulder.
Additional crashes were reported in Paramus, Tinton Falls, and Clark Township, adding to delays on the Garden State Parkway.
Water main break and disabled vehicle
A water main break on NJ 47 northbound near CR 651/Greentree Road in Glassboro has resulted in one right lane closure. On the Garden State Parkway southbound, a disabled vehicle near Exit 135 – Central Avenue in Clark Township has blocked the right lane and shoulder.
Traffic delays across major roadways
Delays are being reported on several key highways and turnpikes:
- The New Jersey Turnpike is experiencing delays northbound in Elizabeth and on the Eastern Spur near Newark, with one-mile backups due to volume.
- NJ 24 eastbound is seeing 5-10 minute delays from I-287 to Exit 2 – Columbia Turnpike in Hanover Township.
- NJ 495 eastbound, NJ 10 eastbound, and I-80 eastbound are also reporting minor delays, with travel times under 10 minutes in most cases.
Caution urged as icy conditions persist
Officials are urging drivers to proceed with caution, especially in areas experiencing salting operations or lane closures. With temperatures expected to remain below freezing, untreated surfaces and residual moisture may continue to cause icy patches throughout the morning.
“Freezing roads and crashes have brought significant disruptions to New Jersey’s morning commute, with closures and delays impacting nearly every major route in the state.”
