Road Work At Newark Airport May Cause Traffic Headaches For Months

NEWARK, NJ — Major roadway construction work at Newark Airport is expected to kick off Monday evening, which may cause traffic headaches over the next several months.

Work on the terminal frontage bridges will require the “24/7 closure” of one of the three traffic lanes servicing both terminals B and C, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

It’s expected to last until at least November, officials said:

“The work is anticipated to be accomplished in two stages beginning with the four-month closure of the left most lane of Express Road in front of Building 4 (old Terminal A). Immediately thereafter, work will begin on the left most lane of Express Road in front of Terminal B with an expected completion in November 2023.”

Built in the late 1960s, the roadways require replacement due to “the effects of weather, increases in vehicular traffic volumes and normal wear and tear,” Port Authority officials said.

The list of work includes replacement of concrete safety walks, drainage troughs and concrete bridge decks.

What does that mean for people flying out of Newark Airport? Make sure you get there a few hours early, officials said:

“As construction may result in traffic congestion in the central terminal area – particularly during peak travel days/times – travelers to the airport should plan ahead and leave plenty of time to arrive at the airport, to check in, and to clear security. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international travel.”

Airport officials plan to take several steps to minimize traffic impacts while construction is going on, including:

• “An alternative route plan to advise customers of different routes for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs at Terminal B. Click here for more details.”
• “Port Authority police will actively manage vehicle movement on roadways and terminal frontages, including implementation of mitigation routes specifically designed for this construction project.”
• “Passengers using terminals B and C can also be dropped off or picked up directly inside the short-term parking lots B and C. Vehicles will not pay a fee if exiting under 30 minutes.”

For those waiting to pick up passengers, a cell phone lot waiting area is available for free, the Port Authority noted. Located less than five minutes away from all terminals and open “24/7,” it can be found on Google Maps by searching for “EWR Cell Phone Lot.”

NEW TERMINAL

The Port Authority recently held a ribbon cutting event for the airport’s brand-new Terminal A. The $2.7 billion renovation is the “largest design-build project in New Jersey history,” officials said. Read More: Bigger, Better $2.7 Billion Terminal At Newark Airport Unveiled (Video/Photos)

The new terminal was expected to be operational on Dec. 8, the Port Authority previously said. But the opening date for the public was pushed back due to pending tests for the fire alarm and security systems. Concerns from airlines about opening a brand-new facility during the peak holiday travel period also played into the decision, officials said. Read More: Terminal At Newark Airport Won't Be Open For Holidays

The terminal officially opened in January. Read More: Here's When Flights Begin At Newark Airport's Swanky New Terminal

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