TRENTON – State Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced today a series steps to help keep traffic moving on state highways during Super Bowl week.
The department has ordered a temporary stop to non-emergency construction activity affecting travel lanes in northern New Jersey.
There are several events taking place in New Jersey this week leading up to the Super Bowl being held on Sunday, Feb. 2, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Motorists should be aware of the possibility of additional traffic throughout the week. While there are restrictions on lane and shoulder closures, construction activities may continue behind barriers or guiderails.
Starting at 5 a.m. today through noon on Tuesday, Feb. 4, no lane or shoulder closures or moving operations will be permitted on the following roads:
- Route 3 – both directions, entire length
- Route 17 – both directions, from mile post 0.0 (Route 7) to mile post 10.5 (Route 80)
- Route 24 – both directions, entire length
- Route 120 – both directions, entire length
- I-78– both directions, from mile post 47 (Route 24) to mile post 58.6 (NJ Turnpike)
- I-495 – both directions, entire length
In addition, starting at 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, through noon Tuesday, Feb. 4, no lane or shoulder closures or moving operations will be permitted within a 20-mile radius of the Meadowlands Sports Complex area (intersection of Route 3 and Route 120) on any NJDOT road, including the roads listed above.
Tonight with the opening ceremony and concert being held at Liberty State Park, three lanes will be maintained on Route 139 lower level through midnight.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 28, Media Day will be held at Prudential Center in Newark. No lane or shoulder closures, or moving operations, will be permitted from midnight tonight through 9 p.m. tomorrow on the following roadways:
- Route 21 – both directions, entire length
- I-280 – both directions, entire length
- Route 1&9 – both directions, from mile post 45.4 (North Avenue, Elizabeth) to mile post 57.5 (Route 495)
In addition to limiting construction activity in the region, NJDOT has dozens of variable message signs to help direct motorists unfamiliar with the region, and the department has enhanced its Safety Service Patrol with coverage on Route 3, Route 17, Route 21, Route 120, and I-495 to assist motorists in case of a disabled vehicle or crash.
NJDOT and the NJ Turnpike Authority also are prepared for the possibility of winter weather this week. Within a 30-mile radius of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, NJDOT and the turnpike have 821 agency-owned or contractor trucks ready to spread salt or plow snow. If necessary, the agencies could draw upon another 2,400 trucks outside of the 30-mile radius, for a total of more than 3,200 trucks.
For information about local road closures in Jersey City, Newark, and East Rutherford go to www.nj.gov/superbowl. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
