Commercial Vehicle Restrictions On I-280; Weather May Affect Roads

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A commercial restriction on tractor trailers, big trucks and several other types of vehicle is in effect for multiple interstate highways in New Jersey on Friday, including I-280, as weather forecasters call for potentially dangerous winter weather conditions.

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will be in place “until further notice,” officials said. It will affect the following highways in both directions:

• Interstate 76 (entire length)
• Interstate 78 (entire length)
• Interstate 80 (entire length)
• Interstate 195 (entire length)
• Interstate 280 (entire length)
• Interstate 287 (entire length)
• Interstate 295 (entire length)
• Interstate 676 (entire length)
• New Jersey Route 440 (both directions from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287)

The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:

• All tractor trailers (with some exceptions)
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

This restriction DOES NOT apply to:

• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway 2
• Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.

According to the NJDOT, the restriction is based on a forecast for “rapidly falling temperatures that may lead to a flash freeze on wet roadways throughout the state.”

The NJDOT stated:

“New Jersey is expected to see rain, strong winds and the potential for snow and ice as the storm moves through and temperatures drop rapidly, which could make driving conditions treacherous. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday.”

Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm. Drivers should not park on the shoulders of the road, officials said.

NJDOT officials said that “if you must drive,” motorists should:

• SLOW DOWN, and obey posted speed limits
• Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
• Leave early and allow extra time
• Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
• Use caution on bridges and ramps
• If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
• Be patient and use caution
• Keep an emergency kit in your car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks, blanket, and other items. See the NJ Office of Emergency Managements web site for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/winter.shtml

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