Breaking News: Interstate Highways Reopen for Commercial Vehicles as of 7:30 a.m. on January 20!

NEW JERSEY – Officials from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) declared that the Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction will be removed effective at 7:30 a.m., Monday, January 20 for all roadways.

All vehicles that were previously included in the restriction may now resume regular travel on the following highways in both lanes:

• I-76 (full length)
• I-78 (full length)
• I-80 (full length)
• I-195 (full length)
• I-280 (full length)
• I-287 (full length)
• I-295 (full length)
• I-676 (full length)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287

Interstate and state highways are in satisfactory condition, but due to strong winds and freezing temperatures,
there is a risk of snow drifts forming. It is crucial to keep in mind that road conditions can alter
rapidly. Our teams will persist in monitoring the situation throughout the day to ensure that roads remain
in satisfactory shape.

ORIGINAL STORY: NEW JERSEY – NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor has enforced a commercial vehicle travel limitation on various Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 19 due to forecasts of a significant winter storm with snow accumulations expected between six and ten inches throughout the state.

Winter weather is anticipated to commence Sunday morning and persist into late evening, which could render driving conditions hazardous across the state. The travel limitations are being coordinated with adjacent states. In addition to the commercial constraints, all drivers are advised to refrain from non-essential travel on Sunday.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will commence tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 19 and will remain in effect until further notice for the following highways in both directions:

• I-76 (full length)
• I-78 (full length)
• I-80 (full length)
• I-195 (full length)
• I-280 (full length)
• I-287 (full length)
• I-295 (full length)
• I-676 (full length)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287

The commercial vehicle travel restriction pertains to:

• All tractor trailers (with exceptions as outlined in the Administrative Order)
• Empty straight trucks with CDL weight
• Passenger vehicles towing trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

This restriction DOES NOT affect:

• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway
• Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel, as well as others directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure, including those providing fuel or food. For a comprehensive list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel limitation, refer to the Administrative Order.

Trucks that are already within New Jersey when the travel limitations take effect are encouraged to pull into truck stops to wait out the storm – Do Not Park On Shoulders.

NJDOT is collaborating with all state and regional transportation agencies to ensure a most efficient response to the storm. To enable NJDOT alongside our regional and local transportation partners to safely and effectively clear roads of snow, motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee required for emergency response. If you must travel, drivers are advised to:

• Reduce speed and adhere to posted speed limits
• Always keep distance from plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind, allow them to pass
• Do not overtake between trucks in a plow formation
• Depart early and allow additional time
• Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
• Exercise caution on bridges and ramps
• If conditions worsen while driving, pull off to a safe location and wait it out
• Be patient and proceed with caution
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle including a cell phone charger, water, snacks, blanket, and other essentials. More details can be found on the NJ Office of Emergency Management’s website: