Newark, NJ — Thousands of New Jersey commuters faced a slower and more complicated trip Monday morning as multiple crashes, overturned tractor-trailers, a vehicle fire, and heavy traffic volume combined to snarl major highways across the state. The most significant disruptions included a crash that closed all westbound lanes of U.S. Route 22 near Weequahic Park in Newark and an overturned tractor-trailer that shut down all westbound lanes of Route 33 in Freehold Township.
The widespread incidents stretched from North Jersey to the Shore region, affecting several major commuter corridors during the height of the morning rush. Additional delays developed at key crossings into New York City, including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel.
Morning Commute Hit by Multiple Major Incidents
The most disruptive event reported during the morning rush was a crash on U.S. 22 in Newark. As of 8:06 a.m., all westbound lanes remained closed while one of two eastbound lanes was also blocked near Weequahic Park.
Elsewhere, an overturned tractor-trailer closed all westbound lanes of Route 33 east of Halls Mill Road in Freehold Township as of 7:11 a.m. Another overturned tractor-trailer created restrictions on Route 17 southbound at Interstate 80 in Lodi, where a ramp lane remained closed.
A vehicle fire added to the congestion on Interstate 80 westbound in Paterson. By 7:38 a.m., three of four lanes were closed east of Exit 57 near Route 19, creating significant traffic backups in the area.
Key Points
• Crash on U.S. 22 in Newark closed all westbound lanes during the morning rush.
• Overturned tractor-trailers caused major disruptions in Freehold Township and Lodi.
• Delays extended to major New York City crossings, including the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel.
Congestion Spreads Across Major Roadways
In Cranford Township, a disabled tractor-trailer blocked the right lane of the Garden State Parkway southbound near Exit 136 and Stiles Street. The incident was reported shortly before 7:40 a.m. and added pressure to an already busy corridor.
Traffic delays were reported on numerous highways, including Interstate 78, Interstate 280, Interstate 287, Interstate 295, Route 21, Route 29, Route 42, Route 208, Route 4, Route 15, Route 495, and portions of the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. Most of those delays were attributed to heavy traffic volume rather than lane closures.
One of the longest backups developed near the George Washington Bridge. As of 8:04 a.m., travel times reached approximately 45 minutes on the bridge’s upper level and 35 minutes on the lower level for motorists approaching from Interstate 95 and Interstate 80.
Commuters headed into Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel faced even longer waits. Traffic conditions at both the center and south tunnels produced travel times of about 55 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E to the New York side.
The Holland Tunnel also experienced delays, with travel times reaching approximately 25 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14C and about 20 minutes from Route 139 at Tonnelle Circle.
Construction Adds to Traffic Challenges
Alongside the crashes and disabled vehicles, several daytime construction projects affected travel throughout the state. Lane and shoulder closures were reported on portions of U.S. 46, Route 35, Interstate 78, Interstate 295, Route 42, and Interstate 80. Most of those work zones were scheduled to remain in place through the afternoon.
Construction activity on Route 35 in Sayreville and Old Bridge Township included lane and ramp closures in both directions until mid-afternoon. Similar shoulder restrictions were reported on Interstate 80 in Parsippany-Troy Hills, Interstate 78 in Watchung, and Interstate 295 in several South Jersey locations.
Commercial vehicle operators also faced restrictions near the George Washington Bridge lower level. Truck traffic exiting from U.S. Route 46, Route 4, and Interstate 95 local lanes was directed to use Exit 73, according to the advisory in effect Monday morning.
As the morning commute continued, transportation officials reported a combination of crashes, disabled vehicles, heavy traffic volume, and ongoing road work affecting travel across much of New Jersey. Several major incidents remained active as of the latest updates, and motorists encountered significant delays on highways leading into both North Jersey and New York City.