Crash and Construction Slow Traffic on Major North Jersey Routes

As of midday Thursday, October 16, multiple active construction zones and a crash in Newark are contributing to regional traffic delays across North Jersey highways and the New Jersey Turnpike.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Motorists across North Jersey experienced a mix of delays and lane closures Thursday due to a crash and widespread ongoing construction on several major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, I-287, and NJ-23.

As of 12:31 p.m., a crash occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway northbound at the Exit 14 ramp connecting to I-78/US 1&9 in Newark. While all travel lanes remain open, the right shoulder is closed, potentially affecting merging traffic at the interchange.

In a separate but related disruption, delays were reported earlier at 12:22 p.m. on the Turnpike Hudson County Extension eastbound, stretching from just east of Interchange 14 in Newark to east of the Newark Bay Bridge in Bayonne. The congestion, attributed to heavy volume, resulted in approximately 2.5 miles of delays despite all lanes remaining open.

Compounding these issues, roadwork and construction projects are ongoing in and around Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties, many of which are impacting travel during daytime hours:

Notable Construction Closures:

• New Jersey Turnpike – Eastern Spur: At Interchange 15E (US 1&9) in Newark, one toll lane is closed for repairs until 3:00 p.m.

• I-287 (Boonton to Parsippany-Troy Hills): Southbound left lane closure between Exits 44 and 41 until 3:00 p.m.

• NJ 3 (Clifton): Multiple eastbound closures reported, including right lane closures near Passaic Avenue and between CR 509/Broad Street and Main Avenue, in effect until 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively.

• NJ 23 (Wayne to Verona Twp): Southbound and northbound left and right lane closures continue until 3:00 p.m.

• US 46 (Various Locations): Alternating lane and shoulder closures on both eastbound and westbound sides from Clifton to Denville.

• US 1&9 (Newark): Several closures on the local and express lanes northbound, primarily on the right shoulder, near Newark Liberty International Airport, Pulaski Skyway, and Delancey Street.

Extended Port Area Construction:

Long-term construction in Newark’s port district is also underway, expected to last through December 2025:

• Corbin Street: One right lane closed in both directions between Kellogg Street and Outer Port Street.

• Inner Port Street: Fully closed in both directions between Corbin Street and Port Street.

• Port Street Eastbound: Ramp to Corbin Street closed and detoured via Marlin Street.

In addition, a scheduled ramp closure on I-80 eastbound at Exit 56B (Squirrelwood Rd in Woodland Park) began at 12:02 p.m., with all ramp lanes closed until 3:00 p.m. on November 18, 2025.

Drivers are advised to check real-time traffic alerts and detour signs, especially during peak travel hours. Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions and operational needs.