NJ Turnpike Traffic Report: Upcoming Project Expected to Boost Capacity and Reduce Congestion

As the New Jersey Turnpike continues to navigate the demands of an ever-growing population, a new project aimed at widening the highway is expected to bring significant benefits for commuters. The proposed extension aims to increase capacity and reduce congestion, particularly in areas surrounding residential and warehouse developments in Jersey City and Bayonne.

According to a recent study conducted by Lawrence Pesesky, a Rutgers environmental expert, the project will have no pollution impact. While some may be concerned about the potential effects of increased traffic on air quality, Pesesky's findings suggest that the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse impacts on adjacent neighborhoods, noise levels, or traffic patterns.

One of the key aspects of the project is the acquisition of land from adjacent property owners. This will involve buying 'strips' of land from some landowners, which may require partial acquisitions of tax lots. Additionally, the study reports that the proposed widening of the extension to Exit 14C in downtown Jersey City will not necessitate the wholesale taking of residential or business properties.

The new span is expected to increase capacity for those traveling to and from residential and warehouse developments in Jersey City and Bayonne. In fact, the project is anticipated to provide a significant boost to traffic flow, particularly during peak hours when congestion often becomes a major issue.

It's worth noting that the existing bridge has faced its fair share of issues over the years. In 2017, for example, the bridge was shut down for 36 hours due to a major structural issue. More recently, there have been numerous instances of shoulder or lane closures, which can cause significant disruptions for commuters.

One alternative to the proposed widening project is rehabilitation of the existing bridge. However, this option was studied and rejected due to concerns over the added cost and time required to complete the work.

The first phase of the project is expected to commence in 2026, with construction of a new bridge taking eight to 10 years to complete. While this timeline may seem lengthy, it's important to note that the total project costs are comparable to those associated with building two new Goethals bridges and the Mario Cuomo-Tappan Zee bridge replacements.

Overall, the proposed NJ Turnpike traffic report suggests that the upcoming project has the potential to bring significant benefits for commuters. By increasing capacity and reducing congestion, the project is expected to improve the overall flow of traffic in the region, making it easier for people to get where they need to go.

N j turnpike traffic report