Multiple Crashes, Severe Delays, & Heavy Construction Across Morris County

Multiple accidents and ongoing infrastructure projects are causing significant congestion on key highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and George Washington Bridge corridors.

As of Monday morning, December 1, a series of vehicle crashes and extensive construction activity has resulted in widespread traffic delays on several major North Jersey roadways. Commuters across Morris, Essex, and Hudson counties, as well as those heading to and from New York City, are experiencing increased travel times and lane closures.

Crashes Disrupt Major Routes:

Several crashes have affected traffic flow in Northern Jersey:

• New Jersey Turnpike (Inner Roadway Northbound): A crash just north of Interchange 14 (I-78/US 1&9) in Newark has blocked the left lane.

• Garden State Parkway (Northbound): A collision south of Exit 145 (I-280) in East Orange is blocking the left lane.

• US 1&9 (Southbound): A crash near the New Jersey Turnpike in Newark has closed the right lane of the two-lane roadway.

• I-280 Eastbound: A crash closed a ramp lane at Exit 14E (King Street) in Newark.

These incidents have compounded delays already aggravated by heavy weekday traffic and other ongoing roadway obstructions.

Bridge and Highway Delays:

Drivers crossing into New York City via the George Washington Bridge are facing eastbound delays of at least 25-30 minutes on both the upper and lower levels, despite all lanes being open. The travel time reflects congestion along I-95 from I-80 to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge.

Elsewhere, volume-related congestion continues to impact the New Jersey Turnpike’s Eastern and Western Spurs northbound from the Southern Mixing Bowl in Newark to just north of Interchange 15W (I-280) in Kearny, with reported delays of 5 and 3 miles, respectively - likely 25-30 minute delays at minimum.

On the Garden State Parkway, northbound delays extend for three miles between Exit 143 (NJ 124) in Irvington Township and Exit 145 in East Orange.

Construction Compounds Congestion:

Scheduled lane closures due to construction are adding further strain to the region’s road network:

• George Washington Bridge: Eastbound work on both the lower and upper levels has reduced capacity. One left lane is closed on the lower level until 3:30 p.m., and one right lane is closed on the upper level until 4:30 p.m.

• Woodland Park: Construction has shut down CR-636 northbound between multiple locations, including between 56A and CR-636 and between Jackson Avenue and CR-636. The closures will continue until at least July 1, 2026. Southbound traffic is operating in the northbound lane in some segments.

• I-80 Eastbound: The Exit 56B ramp to Squirrelwood Road is closed until 3:00 p.m.

• Newark Port Area: Construction on Port Street, Inner Port Street, and Corbin Street has fully closed lanes or ramps through January 31, 2026. Detours are posted, particularly for eastbound traffic on Port Street heading to southbound Corbin Street via Marlin Street.

• NJ Route 7 (Kearny): Right shoulder closures continue near the New Jersey Turnpike interchange until 3:30 p.m.

• Marin Boulevard (Jersey City to Hoboken): Full lane closures are in effect between 18th Street and CR-636/Observer Highway.

The convergence of unplanned incidents and long-term infrastructure improvements is expected to cause extended travel times for both local and regional drivers, especially during peak commuting hours. Motorists are advised to check real-time traffic updates and consider alternate routes or modes of transportation where possible.

State transportation authorities continue to monitor the situation and encourage safe driving in work zones and congested areas.