Multiple Crashes, Fire, and Construction Snarl Traffic Across North and Central New Jersey

Overturned vehicles, a tractor-trailer fire, and a water main break closed lanes on major highways Wednesday, compounding widespread construction delays statewide.

Motorists across North and Central New Jersey are facing significant travel disruptions as of midday Wednesday, as multiple crashes, a tractor-trailer fire, emergency utility work, and ongoing construction affected dozens of major roadways.

Major Incidents

• NJ 4 westbound, Paramus: An overturned vehicle near Paramus Road closed two of three lanes as of 11:21 a.m., causing heavy delays.

• I-287 southbound, Morris Township: A tractor-trailer fire south of Exit 37 (NJ 24) shut down two right lanes by 11:12 a.m.

• I-80 westbound local lanes, Saddle Brook: An overturned tractor-trailer west of Exit 63 (NJ 17 North) closed two of three right lanes around 11:05 a.m.

• NJ 10 eastbound, Livingston: A water main break at CR 607 forced a full roadway closure beginning at 10:23 a.m.

• New Jersey Turnpike – Hudson County Extension, Jersey City: A disabled vehicle blocked the left lane westbound near Jersey Avenue and the Holland Tunnel shortly before 10 a.m.

Notable Delays

• NJ 17 northbound: Slow traffic from south of NJ 4 to Mackay Avenue in Paramus.

• NJ 4 westbound: Ongoing delays between Spring Valley Road and Paramus Road following the earlier crash.

• I-280 eastbound, Newark: Morning congestion from east of Exit 12 (Garden State Parkway) to Exit 14E (King Street).

Construction and Roadwork Highlights

Roadwork and construction projects affected nearly every major corridor, including I-80, I-287, I-78, US 46, NJ 10, NJ 17, NJ 23, NJ 21, NJ 53, the Garden State Parkway, and both the Eastern Spur and Hudson County Extension of the New Jersey Turnpike. Several projects involve lane closures lasting through the afternoon, while others, particularly in Newark, Fort Lee, Jersey City, and Woodland Park, are scheduled to continue for months.

What Drivers Should Know

Transportation officials urged motorists to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes when possible, and stay alert for sudden lane closures or emergency responders. Conditions were changing throughout the day as incidents cleared and construction schedules continued.

Updates were current as of early afternoon Wednesday, and additional delays were expected during the evening commute.