TRENTON, N.J. – Motorists across New Jersey encountered a difficult Monday morning commute as two separate overturned truck incidents combined with heavy rush-hour traffic to create delays on several of the state’s busiest highways.
The most significant incidents were reported on Route 55 in Gloucester County and Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County, while congestion also affected major routes approaching the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel.
Overturned tractor-trailer blocks Route 55
As of 7:25 a.m., an overturned tractor-trailer remained on Route 55 southbound at Exit 48 for Ellis Mill Road in Glassboro.
One of the two southbound travel lanes, the exit ramp lane and the right shoulder were closed as crews worked to clear the scene. Motorists traveling through Gloucester County were urged to expect delays and consider alternate routes.
Truck crash slows Interstate 78
In Hunterdon County, an overturned truck continued to impact Interstate 78 westbound east of Exit 24 for County Route 523/Oldwick Road in Tewksbury Township.
The crash, first reported before 6 a.m., closed the left lane of the three-lane highway, slowing westbound traffic through the area.
Heavy delays approaching New York City
Commuters heading into New York experienced the heaviest congestion near the Hudson River crossings.
Traffic approaching the George Washington Bridge Upper Level was moving slowly, with a travel time of approximately 25 minutes from Interstate 80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge.
The Lower Level also experienced delays, with travel times reaching about 20 minutes on Interstate 95 approaching the bridge.
At the Lincoln Tunnel, both the center and south tubes reported travel times of approximately 30 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E into Manhattan.
Commercial drivers also faced restrictions at the George Washington Bridge Lower Level. Trucks traveling eastbound from U.S. Route 46, Route 4 and the Interstate 95 local lanes were directed to remain left and use Exit 73 from the I-95 Express Lanes.
Congestion spreads across North Jersey
Heavy traffic also developed on several major commuter corridors across northern New Jersey during the morning rush.
Delays were reported on Interstate 80 westbound in Passaic County between Elmwood Park, Paterson, Totowa and Fairfield Township. Slowdowns also affected Route 17 in both directions through Hackensack, Maywood, Paramus and Rochelle Park.
Route 4 eastbound through Teaneck Township experienced congestion, as did Route 21 northbound between Clifton and U.S. Route 46.
Elsewhere, motorists encountered delays on Interstate 287 northbound in Edison Township, Route 15 southbound between Jefferson and Rockaway townships, Route 206 southbound in Mount Olive Township, and Interstate 78 local lanes westbound through Union and Springfield townships.
Transportation officials urged drivers to allow extra travel time, reduce speeds approaching incident scenes and remain alert for changing traffic conditions as emergency crews continued clearing the two overturned truck crashes.
