NORTHERN NEW JERSEY – Friday afternoon commuters faced a difficult drive with delays, disabled vehicles, downed poles, and long-term construction projects creating widespread congestion across highways, bridges, and tunnels.
Accidents and Disabled Vehicles
At 2:51 p.m., a disabled vehicle on the Pulaski Skyway eastbound near Tonnelle Circle in Jersey City shut down one of two lanes, slowing traffic toward New York. Just minutes earlier, at 2:48 p.m., a downed pole forced a full closure of eastbound lanes on U.S. Route 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills, while westbound lanes were reduced to two. Detours and extended delays are expected in the area.
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Highway Delays
Several state highways reported heavy afternoon congestion:
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Garden State Parkway: Southbound delays stretched nearly 2.5 miles between Hillside and Kenilworth by 3:10 p.m. Northbound traffic was backed up 1.5 miles earlier between Irvington and Bloomfield.
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New Jersey Turnpike: The Western Spur southbound had a 4-mile delay through Rutherford and Newark, while the Eastern Spur southbound faced a 2-mile backup near Secaucus. Northbound traffic was also congested near Newark.
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I-280: Steady delays in both directions, with eastbound slowdowns between East Orange and Newark, and westbound congestion through Harrison.
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NJ 21, NJ 3, NJ 4, NJ 17, and NJ 24: All reported moderate congestion in Newark, Clifton, Teaneck, Paramus, and Hanover Township.
Bridge and Tunnel Traffic
Cross-Hudson travel was also slow:
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George Washington Bridge: Eastbound traffic faced delays on both levels, with travel times of 15 minutes for the lower level (I-95 from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge) and 20 minutes for the upper level.
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Lincoln Tunnel: Eastbound traffic moved with 15-minute travel times from Turnpike Exit 16E into Manhattan.
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Holland Tunnel: Eastbound drivers faced 10–15 minute waits from Jersey City, though no lane closures were reported.
Construction Alerts
Ongoing roadway projects added to the slowdown:
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I-78, I-80, NJ 17, NJ 23, NJ 7, and NJ 120 all had lane or shoulder closures.
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Newark’s Port District continues to see major construction, with closures on Inner Port Street, Corbin Street, and Port Street ramps lasting through December 2025.
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On the George Washington Bridge, the upper level eastbound had one right lane closed until 4:30 p.m.
Special Events
Traffic near the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford was heavier due to two events—the FUBU NY Fashion Street Show and the HBCUNY Classic Pep Rally—both scheduled until 4:00 p.m. Visitors were advised to expect parking delays and local congestion.
Commuter Outlook
With construction, lane closures, and heavy Friday volume, drivers across Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Morris, and Passaic counties should allow extra travel time. For those crossing into New York, public transit may offer a faster alternative during the evening rush.
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