Heavy commuter traffic is slowing travel into New York City on Friday morning, while a crash on the Garden State Parkway and a downed utility pole in Cherry Hill are adding to congestion across New Jersey.
Trenton, NJ – Drivers heading into New York City and along major New Jersey highways are facing several delays Friday morning. As of shortly after 8 a.m., traffic backups were reported at the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and portions of the Garden State Parkway.
Key Points
• Crash reported on Garden State Parkway southbound in Kenilworth; all lanes remain open.
• Significant delays at the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel.
• Downed utility pole closes lanes on Route 70 in Cherry Hill Township.
Parkway crash and North Jersey congestion
A crash on the Garden State Parkway southbound north of Exit 137 (NJ Route 28) in Kenilworth was reported at 8:01 a.m. Authorities said all vehicles involved were moved to the right shoulder and all travel lanes remain open.
Meanwhile, northbound traffic on the Garden State Parkway was experiencing a four-mile backup between the Union Toll Plaza in Hillside Township and Exit 145 near Interstate 280 in East Orange. Transportation officials attributed the delay to heavy volume during the morning commute.
Delays at New York City crossings
Motorists traveling into Manhattan encountered the longest delays at the region’s major river crossings.
The George Washington Bridge upper level was reporting a 25-minute travel time from Interstate 80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge. The lower level was experiencing approximately 20 minutes of delay along the same route.
At the Lincoln Tunnel, both the center and south tubes were seeing travel times of about 25 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E to the New York side.
The Holland Tunnel was also congested, with a 20-minute delay reported from both the New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14C approach and Route 139 at Tonnelle Circle in Jersey City.
Route 70 lane closures in Cherry Hill
In South Jersey, a downed utility pole was affecting traffic on Route 70 near Route 41/County Route 154 in Cherry Hill Township.
One right lane and the shoulder were closed eastbound, while one left lane was closed on the westbound side. Drivers traveling through the area should expect slower traffic conditions and seek alternate routes if possible.
Travel conditions along shore routes remained relatively favorable Friday morning. Southbound travel on the Garden State Parkway from the Raritan Toll Plaza to Belmar was approximately 25 minutes, while the drive to Atlantic City was estimated at about 1 hour and 22 minutes.