Crash, Watermain Breaks, Roadwork and Delays on North Jersey Roads

A Crash on NJ Turnpike, Three Watermain Breaks, Heavy Delays, and Dozens of Construction Projects Across Major Roads Slows Traffic in North Jersey

Multiple watermain breaks and construction projects are contributing to widespread travel delays across northern New Jersey today, affecting several key highways and commuter routes.

As of Thursday afternoon, three separate watermain breaks were impacting travel in Bergen and Hudson counties:

US 46 in Ridgefield Park experienced a break near the Hackensack River Bridge. One lane is closed in each direction—eastbound and westbound—reducing the four-lane corridor to three lanes in each direction.
On US 1&9/Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen Township, a break north of Paterson Plank Road has shut down the left lane in both directions.
NJ 17 southbound near Highland Cross in Rutherford is also experiencing restrictions due to a break, with two of three lanes closed.

These incidents are contributing to localized backups during peak midday travel hours, particularly in and around the Route 3 corridor and near industrial zones in North Bergen and Ridgefield Park.

Separately, a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike - Eastern Spur was reported around noon, just north of Interchange 15E in Newark, southbound. While all lanes are open, the involved vehicle remains on the right shoulder. Drivers are urged to use caution when passing.

In addition to utility disruptions, extensive roadway construction is affecting numerous regional corridors.

Notable impacts as of today include:

George Washington Bridge (Fort Lee): Eastbound upper-level construction continues with a right lane closed.
Pulaski Skyway and Lincoln Tunnel: Both remain operational, but the Pulaski Skyway northbound is experiencing delays, and the Lincoln Tunnel center tube has two-way traffic—drivers are advised to proceed with caution.
NJ 3 eastbound in East Rutherford and US 1&9 in North Bergen both have active construction zones with lane closures scheduled into the afternoon.
In Morris County, I-80 eastbound near Exit 47A (Parsippany-Troy Hills) and US 46 in multiple locations across Parsippany-Troy Hills and Denville Township are undergoing improvements, including left and right lane closures that will remain in effect through at least 3:00 p.m.
I-287 southbound in Harding Township also has right shoulder closures near Exit 30.

Elsewhere, full lane closures are in effect on CR-636 in Woodland Park, Port Street, Inner Port Street, and Corbin Street in Newark, which are expected to remain closed through January 2026. These closures are part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades in industrial and port areas.

Regional travel times remain strained. As of 11:56 a.m., eastbound traffic on the George Washington Bridge upper level from New Jersey into New York shows a minimum of a 15-minute delay, with all lanes open. Commuters are encouraged to monitor 511NJ.org or other traffic services for real-time updates.

North Jersey continues to undergo major infrastructure improvements, with scheduled maintenance and construction along major highways such as US 46, NJ 3, and I-80. The area’s aging water infrastructure is also prone to disruption, especially during colder months or periods of increased system stress, contributing to watermain failures that significantly affect traffic in densely developed areas.

Commuters should plan for delays and consider alternate routes where possible as work continues.