New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 9 a.m. Friday, December 23 based on the forecast for rapidly falling temperatures that may lead to a flash freeze on wet roadways throughout the state.
New Jersey is expected to see rain, strong winds and the potential for snow and ice as the storm moves through and temperatures drop rapidly, which could make driving conditions treacherous. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday.
The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, December 23 and will be in place until further notice for the following highways in both directions:
- Interstate 76 (entire length)
- Interstate 78 (entire length)
- Interstate 80 (entire length)
- Interstate 195 (entire length)
- Interstate 280 (entire length)
- Interstate 287 (entire length)
- Interstate 295 (entire length)
- Interstate 676 (entire length)
- New Jersey Route 440 (both directions from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287)
The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
- All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
- Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
- Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
- Recreational vehicles
- Motorcycles
This restriction DOES NOT apply to:
- The New Jersey Turnpike
- The Garden State Parkway
- The Atlantic City Expressway 2
- Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.
Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.
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 ice, motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response. If you must drive, motorists are advised to:
- SLOW DOWN, and obey posted speed limits
- Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
- DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
- Leave early and allow extra time
- Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
- Use caution on bridges and ramps
- If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
- Be patient and use caution
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks, blanket, and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Managements web site for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-
prepare/winter.shtml
To understand the purpose and need for Commercial Vehicle Travel Restrictions, watch this video.
NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide winter driving alerts, as well as the NJDOT Facebook page and Twitter @NewJerseyDOT. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
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