The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced that commercial vehicle travel restrictions will be in effect on several Interstate highways beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 25. This measure comes in response to forecasts predicting significant snowfall across the state, with winter weather expected to start early Sunday and continue into Monday.
Acting Commissioner Joe Bertoni stated, “NJDOT is coordinating with all state and regional transportation agencies to ensure the most effective response to the storm. In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow, motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response.”
The travel restrictions will apply in both directions on the following highways: I-76, I-78, I-80, I-195, I-280, I-287, I-295, I-676, and NJ Route 440 from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287. The order affects all tractor trailers (with certain exceptions), empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, passenger vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles, and motorcycles.
These restrictions do not apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway. Public safety vehicles and personnel supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure are exempt as outlined in the Administrative Order – Amended.
Truck drivers already within New Jersey when the restriction takes effect are advised to wait out the storm at truck stops rather than parking on highway shoulders.
All motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during this period. Those who must drive are advised to slow down, keep clear of plowing and spreading trucks—allowing them to pass if they approach from behind—and never attempt to pass between trucks operating in a plow formation. Additional recommendations include leaving early with extra travel time, maintaining safe distances between vehicles, using caution especially on bridges and ramps, pulling off safely if conditions worsen, being patient on the roads, and carrying an emergency kit with essentials such as a cell phone charger, water, snacks, and a blanket.
For more information about preparing for winter weather emergencies in New Jersey visit http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml. Real-time traffic updates can be found at www.511nj.org.
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