
UPDATE: Commercial vehicle travel restrictions lifted on all interstate highways as of 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 20
Motorists urged to use caution as road conditions can change quickly
NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced the Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction will be lifted effective at 7:30 a.m., Monday, January 20 for all highways.
All vehicles previously listed in the restriction are able to resume normal travel on the following highways in both directions:
• I-76 (entire length)
• I-78 (entire length)
• I-80 (entire length)
• I-195 (entire length)
• I-280 (entire length)
• I-287 (entire length)
• I-295 (entire length)
• I-676 (entire length)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
Interstate and State highways are in good condition, but with high winds and freezing temperatures
there is a potential for snow drifts to occur. It is important to remember road conditions can change
quickly. Our crews will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day to make sure roads remain
in good condition.
ORIGINAL STORY: NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Fran O’Connor has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, January 19 based on the forecast for a significant winter storm with accumulations ranging between six and 10 inches across the state.
Winter weather is expected to begin Sunday morning and continue into late evening, which could make driving conditions treacherous throughout the state. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Sunday.
The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, January 19 and will be in place until further notice for the following highways in both directions:
- I-76 (entire length)
- I-78 (entire length)
- I-80 (entire length)
- I-195 (entire length)
- I-280 (entire length)
- I-287 (entire length)
- I-295 (entire length)
- I-676 (entire length)
- NJ Route 440, 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
- 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 snow, 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