NJDOT advises all motorists to stay off roads during coming storm
Commercial vehicles banned from I-78, I-80, I-280, & I-287 during storm
(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today are strongly encouraging all motorists to stay off the roads given the severity of the upcoming storm. The safest place to be is at home.
Governor Murphy has declared a State of Emergency, State offices are closed on Wednesday, March 21, and starting at 8 pm, tonight, Tuesday, March 20 the NJ State Police have issued a commercial vehicle travel ban on for the entire length of the following highways:
• I-78
• I-80
• I-280
• I-287
The commercial vehicle travel ban applies to:
• All tractor trailers
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles
Trucks that are already in New Jersey are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.
NJDOT’s first priority is ensuring public safety. The storm is expected to intensify overnight and during the morning, making it challenging for plow crews to keep pace with the storm. The Department is fully activated with more than 2,750 plows and salt spreaders ready to clear state highways.
NJDOT is coordinating with all state transportation agencies to ensure the most effective response to the impending weather. NJDOT and other plow crews are the first, first responders. In the case of emergencies, emergency teams cannot respond unless the roads are passable.
Residents and motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response. If you do not have to be on the roads during the storm, stay home. Safety of motorists and work crews is the Department’s top priority. If you must drive, do so carefully and plan your trips accordingly, road conditions can change in an instant.
If you see crews on the roads, please stay back and do not pass them. They are clearing the roadways for your safety. If you have to drive, NJDOT advises motorists to:
- Leave early and allow extra time for their trip
- Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled
- SLOW DOWN
- Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
- Stay back from plows and salt spreaders so they can do their job unimpeded
- Use caution on bridges and ramps
NJDOT will provide appropriate winter driving alerts through Variable Message Signs, www.511nj.org and Twitter - @NJDOT_Info.
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