NJDOT issues commercial vehicle restrictions on multiple Interstate
highways beginning on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Restrictions do not apply to New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway
or Atlantic City Expressway

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New
Jersey starting at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 16 based on the forecast for heavy snow.

Winter weather is expected to begin in the southern region of the state around midday and move
northward, resulting in difficult driving conditions. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with
neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are strongly encouraging to
stay off the roads. The safest place to be is at home.

The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 16 and will be in
place for the length of the following highways in both directions:

• I-78, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-80, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-195, from I-295 to NJ Route 138
• I-280, from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
• I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
• I-295, from I-195 to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
• NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287

The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
• All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

This restriction DOES NOT apply to:
• The New Jersey Turnpike
• The Garden State Parkway
• The Atlantic City Expressway
• Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel
directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food.

For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the
Administrative Order.

Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place 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 begin intensify Wednesday
evening, making it challenging for plow crews to keep pace with the storm. The Department is fully
activated with more than 3,000 plows and salt spreaders ready to clear state highways.

NJDOT is coordinating with all state and regional 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. The 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
• Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled
• SLOW DOWN, and obey posted speed limits
• Leave a safe following distance between vehicles
• Use caution on bridges and ramps
• Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
• If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
• Be patient and use caution
• Keep an emergency kit in your car with a cell phone charger, water, snacks and other items.

See the
NJ Office of Emergency Managements web site for more information: http://ready.nj.gov/planprepare/winter.shtml

NJDOT will provide appropriate winter driving alerts through Variable Message Signs, www.511nj.org and
Twitter – @NJDOT_Info