Downed Tree, Metal Debris, EMS Activity and Construction Slow North Jersey Roads

As of Wednesday afternoon, motorists across North Jersey are experiencing delays due to weather-related hazards, construction closures, and a special event at the American Dream Mall.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — October 8, 2025 — A downed tree has prompted the full closure of US Route 206 northbound just south of NJ 24/CR 513/West Main Street in Chester Township. The incident, reported at 1:32 p.m., has halted traffic in all lanes as crews work to clear the obstruction. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays in the area.

Elsewhere in North Jersey, scattered debris and ongoing infrastructure projects are contributing to congestion. As of 1:35 p.m., metal debris was observed in the left median of the New Jersey Turnpike/I-95 express lanes southbound near Exit 71 (NJ 4/Broad Avenue) in Leonia. No lanes were closed in connection with this incident.

Additionally, EMS activity on NJ 495 after Park Ave in Union City is blocking one lane of traffic near the entrance ramp from Pleasant Ave.

Traffic delays were also reported on several major corridors:

• I-280 westbound saw congestion from the Stickel Drawbridge in Harrison through to Exit 13 (Orange St/1st St) in Newark as of 3:14 p.m., although all lanes remained open.

• The Garden State Parkway southbound experienced a two-mile delay from north of Exit 142 (I-78) in Irvington Township to Exit 140 (US 22/NJ 82) in Union Township.

• At 3:09 p.m., the Lincoln Tunnel’s south tunnel eastbound registered a 15-minute travel time from the New Jersey Turnpike Exit 16E to New York City, with all lanes operational.

Multiple construction projects continued to affect travel throughout the region. Key updates include:

• I-80 westbound near Exit 12 (Hope-Blairstown Road) in Frelinghuysen Township is down to one lane until 9:00 p.m.

• George Washington Bridge upper level eastbound from Fort Lee to New York is experiencing a right-lane closure until 4:30 p.m.

• NJ 57 eastbound from Mansfield Township to Hackettstown remains open during daytime construction work through 3:30 p.m.

• Nighttime and extended construction closures are active on stretches of I-80, NJ 23, US 46, NJ 17, and in the Port Newark area, with some detours and closures scheduled through December 2025.

In Jersey City and Hoboken, Marin Boulevard remains closed in both directions between 18th Street and CR-636/Observer Highway. In Newark, Corbin Street, Inner Port Street, and Port Street eastbound are all subject to partial or full closures tied to long-term infrastructure upgrades.

Finally, a special event is underway at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. The Gundam Base Pop-Up World Tour is drawing additional visitors to the area and is scheduled to continue until 8:00 p.m., potentially impacting traffic near the complex.

Drivers are encouraged to check traffic updates regularly and plan alternate routes to avoid affected areas.