Papal Visit Not Expected To Disrupt Wyckoff Traffic, Police Say

Wyckoff police do not anticipate local traffic being affected by Pope Francis’ visits the New York-New Jersey-Philadelphia area next week.

Chief Benjamin Fox said that there is nothing regarding the Pope’s visit that would increase traffic in Wyckoff or require the department to prepare for such a dignitary.

State officials, however, are encouraging people to use public transportation or watch the Pope’s appearance on T.V.

Steve Shapiro, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said there could be an additional 50,000 cars on the road when the Pope comes, and when the New York Giants play the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford Sept. 24.

Pope Francis’ visit begins Sept. 22. He will be visiting New York City Sept. 24 and 25, including a Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden. New Jersey Transit announced service details Monday afternoon as well as tips for the best ways to travel during the weekend.

The Pope will visit Philadelphia Sept. 26 and 27.

Authorities will be careful to manage traffic that could turn entire roadways — such as Route 1, the New Jersey Turnpike and others — into parking lots.

“If we have alternate roads, we will have to make sure that we will direct traffic appropriately,” Shapiro said. “We have alternate roads that can handle the size of traffic.”

A Web site, popenj.com, also has been set up to help guide travelers.