An overturned tractor-trailer in Middlesex County and major backups at Hudson River crossings slowed Tuesday’s morning commute across North Jersey.
New Jersey drivers faced a challenging morning commute Tuesday with an overturned tractor-trailer in Piscataway, a disabled truck in Jersey City, and lengthy delays approaching the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel.
The most significant incident was reported on Interstate 287 northbound in Piscataway Township, where an overturned tractor-trailer closed the ramp at Exit 8 for Possumtown Road. The crash was reported shortly after 7:20 a.m. and continued to affect traffic through the morning rush.
In Jersey City, a disabled truck blocked the right lane on the US 1&9 Truck Route northbound near NJ 440, creating additional congestion in one of the state’s busiest freight corridors.
Hudson River crossings backed up
Commuters heading into New York City encountered substantial delays at all three major Hudson River crossings.
The George Washington Bridge was experiencing travel times of 40 to 45 minutes from Interstate 80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge by 8 a.m. Delays stretched back onto the New Jersey Turnpike’s express and local lanes through Fort Lee and Teaneck.
At the Lincoln Tunnel, motorists faced travel times of up to 45 minutes from the New Jersey Turnpike’s Exit 16E toll plaza. The Holland Tunnel was reporting approximately 30-minute travel times from both the New Jersey Turnpike Hudson County Extension and Route 139 at Tonnelle Circle.
Truck restrictions remained in effect on the George Washington Bridge lower level eastbound, with commercial vehicles directed to use Exit 73 from Route 46, Route 4, and Interstate 95 local lanes.
Garden State Parkway congestion grows
Heavy traffic volume created extensive delays on the Garden State Parkway northbound through Union and Essex counties.
The longest backup stretched approximately eight miles from Hillside through Irvington and Bloomfield. Additional delays of more than four miles were reported between Clark and Union Township.
Drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike also encountered volume-related delays approaching Newark Bay and through Newark and Elizabeth.
Bergen and Hudson counties see heavy traffic
Several major roadways in Bergen County were experiencing typical rush-hour congestion, including Route 4 eastbound through Hackensack, Teaneck, Englewood, and Fort Lee.
Route 17 northbound through Hackensack and Maywood was also reporting delays, while US 1&9 northbound approaching the George Washington Bridge corridor remained heavily congested.
In Hudson County, slowdowns were reported on Route 3 eastbound through Secaucus and North Bergen, the Pulaski Skyway northbound in Jersey City, Route 440, and Tonnelle Avenue.
Other trouble spots across the state
Motorists encountered delays on several additional routes, including Route 24 eastbound in Hanover Township, Route 22 westbound in Union Township, Route 29 northbound into Trenton, Interstate 295 northbound in Lawrence Township, and US 206 southbound in Mount Olive Township.
No major injuries had been reported in connection with the morning incidents as of 8:30 a.m.
Key Points
• An overturned tractor-trailer closed the Exit 8 ramp from I-287 northbound in Piscataway Township.
• A disabled truck blocked a lane on US 1&9 Truck Route northbound in Jersey City.
• George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel commuters faced delays of 30 to 45 minutes.
• Garden State Parkway northbound traffic backed up as much as eight miles through Union and Essex counties.