A major NJ Transit rail shutdown into New York City sent ripple effects across New Jersey’s transportation network Friday morning, as commuters scrambled for alternate routes following an Amtrak tunnel fire that suspended rail service between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York.

The rail disruption, caused by an earlier Amtrak track car fire in one of the Hudson River tunnels, forced thousands of commuters onto highways, buses and PATH trains, contributing to significant congestion at key crossings into Manhattan and on major roadways throughout the state.

NJ Transit warned riders to expect widespread delays and cancellations, with service suspended between Newark and New York while Amtrak crews repaired damaged overhead wires and rail infrastructure.

Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge See Heavy Traffic

The loss of direct rail access into Manhattan quickly translated into longer travel times at the region’s busiest crossings.

By 7:25 a.m., motorists heading through the Lincoln Tunnel faced travel times of approximately 30 minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E to New York.

The George Washington Bridge also experienced heavy congestion, with travel times reaching 30 minutes from Interstate 80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge.

The Holland Tunnel reported delays of about 20 minutes from both the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 139 approaches.

Transportation officials had advised commuters to work remotely if possible or seek alternate travel arrangements due to the expected impact of the rail suspension.

Key Points

• NJ Transit suspended service between Newark Penn Station and Penn Station New York after an Amtrak tunnel fire
• Major delays developed at the Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge and key North Jersey highways
• Multiple crashes across New Jersey added to an already difficult morning commute

Crashes Add to Morning Gridlock

Several accidents further complicated traffic conditions during the peak commuting period.

A crash on the New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway southbound north of Interchange 9 in Edison blocked the right lane and both shoulders shortly after 7:30 a.m.

Another crash on Route 495 eastbound in Union City blocked the right lane near Pleasant Avenue, affecting one of the primary routes feeding traffic toward the Lincoln Tunnel.

In South Jersey, a crash on Route 130 southbound in Haddon Township closed two of three lanes near Route 168.

Meanwhile, a crash investigation on U.S. Route 1 near Washington Road in West Windsor shut down all lanes in both directions beginning earlier in the morning.

Congestion Spreads Across Northern New Jersey

Heavy delays stretched across several major commuter corridors.

Traffic backed up along Route 21 in Newark, Interstate 280 through Harrison and Newark, Route 495 in North Bergen, Route 440 in Jersey City and U.S. 1&9 approaching both Jersey City and Fort Lee.

Southbound delays were also reported on Route 18 in East Brunswick and U.S. Route 9 in Sayreville.

With NJ Transit trains unable to reach Manhattan, many commuters shifted to driving, bus service and PATH trains, placing additional pressure on road networks already strained by routine rush-hour traffic.

Rail Problems Continue Into Morning Rush

NJ Transit said Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains were operating only as local service and terminating at Newark Penn Station.

Midtown Direct trains were diverted to Hoboken, while Main Line, Bergen County Line, Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Line trains bypassed Secaucus and operated directly to Hoboken.

Rail tickets were being cross-honored on PATH, NJ Transit buses and participating private carrier bus services.

Amtrak crews continued emergency repairs Friday morning, but officials had not announced when normal rail service into Penn Station New York would resume.

As of 7:30 a.m., transportation officials continued urging commuters to expect extended travel times across both rail and highway networks as the region worked through one of the most disruptive morning commutes in recent months.

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