Trenton, NJ – A statewide emergency order failed to keep roads clear Monday morning as crashes, jackknifed tractor trailers, and downed wires clogged major highways across New Jersey, blocking ramps and shutting down lanes during the height of the commute.
By 8:45 a.m., a jackknifed tractor trailer shut down all lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound entrance ramp at Interchange 8A–NJ 32 in South Brunswick Township. Minutes earlier, a crash blocked the northbound entrance ramp to the Garden State Parkway at Exit 123–US 9 in Sayreville, though mainline lanes remained open.
Multiple incidents were reported on the Turnpike’s inner and outer roadways. A vehicle left the roadway northbound north of Interchange 6 in Mansfield Township, blocking one right lane. In Newark, a crash on the inner roadway southbound north of Interchange 14–I-78/US 1&9 blocked the right lane. A disabled vehicle on the local lanes northbound north of Exit 71–NJ 4/Broad Avenue in Englewood blocked a center lane, while a disabled tractor trailer closed the entrance ramp at Interchange 15E–US 1&9 on the Eastern Spur.
Tractor trailers and crashes block major corridors
On I-295 northbound south of Exit 63–NJ 33 in Hamilton Township, two of three left lanes were closed following a crash reported shortly after 8 a.m. On I-80 eastbound east of the Allamuchy Rest Area, an overturned tractor trailer closed one right lane and the shoulder.
A disabled tractor trailer on the Turnpike outer roadway northbound at Interchange 7–US 206 in Bordentown Township forced a ramp closure and detour. On NJ 3 eastbound east of Paterson Plank Road in North Bergen, a disabled tractor trailer blocked one of three right lanes.
Downed wires created additional hazards. All lanes were closed on NJ 83 eastbound west of CR 608/Kings Highway in Dennis Township. On NJ 36 north of Long Branch Avenue in Long Branch, both directions were shut down due to wires across the roadway. US 46 eastbound at I-287 in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township was also closed in all lanes because of downed wires.
- Jackknifed and overturned tractor trailers blocked key Turnpike and I-80 lanes
- Multiple crashes closed ramps and reduced travel lanes statewide
- Downed wires forced full closures on several state highways
Speed limits reduced on major crossings
Speed restrictions were implemented on several bridges and expressways. The New Jersey Turnpike reported ongoing incidents across both inner and outer roadways, while the Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing were limited to 25 mph in both directions due to salting operations. The Bayonne Bridge’s shared use path was closed to pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Atlantic City Expressway reduced its speed limit to 35 mph in both directions from west of the Atlantic City Convention Center to the western terminus at NJ 42 in Washington Township.
The widespread incidents unfolded despite emergency declarations urging residents to stay off the roads unless travel was necessary. Authorities continued to respond to crashes and disabled vehicles as snow and ice persisted across the state’s busiest corridors.
Emergency crews respond to statewide storm-related incidents
