Widespread Roadwork and Delays Slow Roads Across Northern New Jersey

Ongoing construction projects and traffic incidents are causing delays on major highways, including I-80, NJ Turnpike, and George Washington Bridge, with some closures lasting through the afternoon.

Numerous road construction projects and traffic delays are affecting drivers across North and Central Jersey today, particularly on major commuter routes including the New Jersey Turnpike, I-80, I-287, NJ Route 3, and the George Washington Bridge.

As of midday Wednesday, September 17, several key transportation arteries have reported slowdowns due to a combination of incidents and scheduled construction activities, many of which are expected to continue into the afternoon.

Traffic Incidents and Delays

• New Jersey Turnpike (Outer Roadway, Southbound): A traffic incident near Interchange 12 (Carteret-Rahway) in Linden is causing approximately a 1-mile delay, although all lanes remain open. This delay was reported at 11:53 a.m..

• George Washington Bridge (Eastbound): Both the upper and lower levels from the New Jersey side in Fort Lee are experiencing delays, with travel times averaging 20 minutes on I-95 from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge, as of 11:33 a.m. All lanes are currently open.

Ongoing Construction Projects

Numerous highway construction projects are scheduled across the region today. Below are some notable closures affecting local and regional traffic:

• I-80 Eastbound (Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp): Right shoulder closed near Exit 45 (CR 637/Beverwyck Rd) until 2:00 p.m.

• I-287 Northbound (Montville Twp): Right shoulder closed near Exit 47 (US 202) until 2:00 p.m.

• NJ Route 3 (Secaucus & Clifton): Multiple closures affecting the eastbound and westbound directions throughout the day, including right and left shoulder closures near the New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur and Paterson Plank Road, with work expected to last until 5:00 p.m.

• US 46: Several eastbound and westbound segments are under construction today between Parsippany-Troy Hills, Denville, Rockaway, Ridgefield Park, and Knowlton, with right shoulder closures continuing until 2:00–4:30 p.m. depending on the location.

• I-280 (Kearny): Both directions near CR 508 have left or right lane closures in place until 3:00 p.m.

• George Washington Bridge (Fort Lee): Construction on both the upper and lower eastbound levels is reducing capacity by one right lane until 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. respectively.

• I-78 (Union & Newark): Lane closures on both local and express lanes in Union Township and Newark, affecting exits 52 and 57, will continue until 3:00 p.m.

• NJ Route 120 (East Rutherford): Multiple sections of Paterson Plank Road are experiencing left and right shoulder closures in both directions through the afternoon, as part of extensive utility or infrastructure work near NJ 3 and CR 503.

• NJ Route 23 (Butler & Pequannock Twp): Northbound and southbound lane closures continue near CR 618/Kinnelon Rd and Alexander Avenue, with various segments impacted until 3:00 p.m. or later.

• I-78 Eastbound (Mount Arlington): Exit ramp 56B to Squirrelwood Road remains closed until 3:00 p.m. on November 18, 2025, marking one of the few long-term closures.

Long-Term Urban Construction Projects

In Newark, several port-access roads are undergoing major reconstruction:

• Corbin Street, Inner Port Street, and Port Street are partially or fully closed with detours in place, especially affecting eastbound Port Street ramp access to Corbin Street, expected to continue until December 2025.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, consider alternate routes, and monitor real-time traffic updates via 511NJ or navigation apps. The New Jersey Department of Transportation and Turnpike Authority have not issued any specific warnings beyond standard construction notices, but drivers should expect intermittent congestion and allow additional travel time through the affected areas.