Expect More Police, Delays On These NJ Roads This Week

NEW JERSEY — Commuters should expect delays on several Garden State roadways on Thursday as state authorities conduct an emergency evacuation exercise, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Officials said agencies including the New Jersey State Police and Turnpike Authority will conduct the annual drill to practice and refine response activities in the event of a major hurricane.

While no roads will be closed, motorists should expect a heightened police presence and additional work crews on the following thoroughfares:

• Atlantic City Expressway (entire length from Atlantic City to Washington Township)
• Garden State Parkway (from mile marker 0 in Lower Township to mile marker 38 in Egg Harbor)
• Interstate 195 (from mile marker 6 in Robbinsville to approximately mile marker 34 in Wall)
• Route 72 (from mile marker 13.8 in Barnegat to approximately mile marker 29 in Ship Bottom)
• Route 47 (from mile marker 16 to 21 in Dennis, and approximately mile marker 32 to 35 in Maurice River)
• Route 347 (from mile marker 0 in Dennis to approximately mile marker 9 in Maurice River)

The purpose of the exercise, according to state officials, is to prepare a contraflow — or reversing traffic on a section of roadway to travel in the opposite direction — on highways that serve as Jersey Shore evacuation routes.

Crews will be staging cones, barrels and message boards in designated locations along the side of these highways.

If motorists encounter road crews or emergency personnel on the side of the road, they should slow down and move over if possible.