Commuting News: Christie Announces Pulaski Skyway Upgrades

It was an overlooked part of his talk at the  this past week, but Gov. Chris Christie mentioned that New Jersey would be  in state and federal funds on transportation projects over the next five years, a few of which will impact commuters.

At the top of the list is the Pulaski Skyway, an important link from the Turnpike to the west and the Holland Tunnel to the east.  The Skyway is in need of major repairs, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. 

Other commuting news:

• US Department of Transportation Announces New Safety Rule

Automakers will be required to install new safety features prevent people from falling out of vehicles in rollover accidents, U.S. Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood announced last week. Rollover crashes are the deadliest of all crash types, he said.

• NJ Transit Service Changes for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

NJ Transit trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule for Monday's holiday, with four additional trains on the Northeast corridor in each direction. The Hudson/Bergen Light Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.

The Family Super Saver Fare is in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday on all trains, buses and light rail lines. Until then, kids 11 and under ride free with fare-paying adults.

•  Construction

The restrooms, waiting room and ticket office are now open. A ticket agent is available from 5 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Work on the center island platforms and elevators is ongoing. Because of the construction, the Franklin Avenue sidewalk will remain closed, and a lane of the avenue will be closed on occassion.

Customers who normally use the Franklin Avenue underpass should use the pedestrian tunnel at the south end of the station to access North Broad Street, Wilsey Square and Garber Square.

Outbound trains will arrive at the center track Tuesday to Friday this week from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• New Bus Schedules

New NJ Transit bus schedules went into effect Jan. 8. Check individual line schedules for changes.

• Alternate Side Parking

Alternate side parking rules are suspended in New York City for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All other regulations, including parking meters are still in effect.