CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Drivers in New Jersey faced a series of travel disruptions Thursday morning, with flooding, downed poles, and crashes affecting major roads in the state as holiday travel got underway.
While most travel is smooth at this time, be on the lookout for turkeys on the roadway. No, not our feathered friends, our fellow humans driving erratically and under the influence as Thanksgiving is a peak time for aggressive and drunk driving.
In Clinton Township, flooding on NJ 31 northbound near CR 633/Old Allerton Road prompted the closure of one right lane, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The issue was first reported at 8:19 a.m., with officials urging drivers to proceed cautiously in the area.
A crash on the Garden State Parkway southbound near Exit 38 for the Atlantic City Expressway in Egg Harbor Township briefly caused delays earlier in the morning. As of 9:00 a.m., the crash had been cleared, and all lanes were reopened.
In Union Beach, a downed utility pole on NJ 36 near Rose Lane has caused a partial lane closure. The northbound right lane is closed, while all southbound lanes remain open. The incident was reported at 8:59 a.m., and utility crews were on-site to address the situation.
The most severe disruption occurred in Union Township, where downed poles, wires, and a transformer fire shut down all westbound lanes of US 22 near Michigan Avenue. The closure, reported at 8:47 a.m., has led to detours, with drivers urged to avoid the area while crews work to resolve the issue.
Thanksgiving travelers are advised to check road conditions before heading out and consider alternate routes to avoid delays.
