NEW JEREY — New Jersey transportation officials early Sunday imposed a statewide emergency speed limit of 35 mph on interstate and state highways as hazardous winter weather moved into the region.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation said Acting Commissioner Joe Bertoni issued an Emergency Traffic Regulation Order that took effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, temporarily lowering all posted speed limits above 35 mph to 35 mph on all interstate highways, U.S. and state highways, and also on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. The order will remain in place until further notice.
The speed restriction was issued “out of an abundance of caution” based on forecasts calling for heavy snow, ice and strong winds statewide, the department said. Winter weather was expected to begin early Sunday and continue into Monday, Jan. 26, creating potentially treacherous travel conditions.
Roadways already posted at 35 mph or lower are not affected by the order, NJDOT said. Officials also urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel Sunday and Monday.
The emergency speed limit order is separate from the commercial vehicle travel restriction that also took effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, NJDOT said. That restriction applies in both directions on I-76, I-78, I-80, I-195, I-280, I-287, I-295, I-676 and on Route 440 from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287.
Under that restriction, NJDOT said travel is barred for all tractor-trailers, empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, passenger vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles and motorcycles, with exceptions listed in an amended administrative order. The commercial restriction does not apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway or Atlantic City Expressway, officials said, and exemptions include public safety vehicles and certain workers supporting health care facilities or critical infrastructure such as fuel or food deliveries.
NJDOT urged trucks already in New Jersey to pull into truck stops to wait out the storm and warned drivers not to park on highway shoulders.
Officials said NJDOT is coordinating with state and regional transportation agencies to respond to the storm and asked drivers to stay off the roads unless travel is essential for emergency response. For those who must travel, NJDOT advised motorists to slow down, stay clear of plowing and spreading trucks, avoid passing between vehicles operating in plow formation, allow extra travel time, keep additional distance between vehicles and use caution on bridges and ramps.
Real-time travel information is available at 511nj.org, officials said.
