Watermain Break, Downed Pole, and Crashes Disrupt NJ Roadways

Motorists in northern New Jersey face significant travel delays today due to a combination of infrastructure failures, accidents, and scheduled roadwork affecting key routes including NJ 53, NJ 208, and the Garden State Parkway.

MORRISTOWN, NJ — October 28, 2025 — Transportation across North and Central Jersey was impacted Tuesday by a series of incidents and widespread construction projects, prompting partial and full lane closures on major highways and local roadways. The disruptions come amid ongoing infrastructure upgrades and seasonal maintenance work.

As of early Tuesday morning, a major watermain break on NJ 53 southbound near US 46 in Denville Township forced the closure of all lanes. The incident, reported at 6:08 a.m., has halted traffic in both directions and caused significant detouring. No estimated time of repair was immediately available.

In Franklin Lakes, a downed utility pole on NJ 208 northbound south of High Mountain Road has led to the closure of the right lane and shoulder. The incident, first reported at 12:39 p.m., has created backups on this heavily used commuter corridor.

A motor vehicle crash on the Garden State Parkway southbound north of Exit 136 (Stiles Street) in Cranford Township is also contributing to congestion, with the right shoulder blocked as of 12:34 p.m.

Meanwhile, in Jefferson Township, motorists are facing delays on NJ 15 southbound between Edison Road (CR 615) and Berkshire Valley Road (CR 699), although all lanes remain open.

Construction and Roadwork Updates

Numerous construction projects across the region continue to affect traffic flow. Key updates include:

• I-80 westbound near Exit 61 in Elmwood Park has a right lane closed until 1:30 p.m.

• Both levels of the George Washington Bridge eastbound from Fort Lee to New York have single lane closures until 4:30 p.m. — one on the lower level (left lane) and one on the upper level (right lane).

• I-287 northbound at Exit 33 in Harding Township has the right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m.

• Multiple closures along US 46, particularly between Parsippany-Troy Hills, Denville, and Mount Olive Township, are affecting both shoulders and left lanes in several areas.

• Ongoing roadwork on the New Jersey Turnpike’s Hudson County and Western Spurs, as well as on NJ 3, NJ 17, NJ 23, and NJ 94, is contributing to longer drive times, particularly near Secaucus, East Rutherford, and Ridgefield.

• Full road closures are in effect for Marin Blvd, Corbin Street, Port Street, and Inner Port Street in Jersey City and Newark, with expected completion dates in December 2025.

Additionally, operational activity on US 46 eastbound near NJ 53 in Denville Township, reported at 1:32 a.m., has all lanes closed, though details about the nature of the activity remain limited.

Travel Advisory

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) urges motorists to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes when possible, and remain alert for sudden lane shifts or detours due to ongoing utility and construction work. Real-time updates are available through 511NJ and municipal traffic advisories.

This compilation reflects conditions as of 2:30 p.m. on October 28, 2025 and is subject to change.