Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), led by Acting Commissioner Francis K. O’Connor, has announced travel restrictions for commercial vehicles on several Interstate highways effective from midnight tonight, February 13, in anticipation of statewide snowfall.
The restrictions come as a preemptive measure to ensure safety amid expected treacherous driving conditions, particularly during Tuesday’s morning commute.
Commercial vehicle travel will be restricted on I-78, I-80, I-280, I-287, Route 440 (from I-287 to the Outer Bridge Crossing), I-195, and I-295 (from the Pennsylvania border/Scudder Falls Bridge to Exit 60 at I-195) in both directions until further notice.
The restriction targets all tractor trailers (with certain exceptions), empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, passenger vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles. However, it does not apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway, nor to public safety and essential personnel.
NJDOT advises trucks within New Jersey at the time the restrictions begin to seek refuge at truck stops rather than parking on shoulders, aiming for safety during the storm. Coordination with state, regional, and local transportation agencies ensures a unified response to the expected winter conditions. Motorists, especially those deemed essential for emergency response, are urged to exercise caution, adjust speeds, maintain safe distances, and equip their vehicles with emergency supplies.
The restrictions and recommendations underscore the importance of public safety during severe weather events, emphasizing the collective effort required for effective storm management.