New Jersey DOT Commissioner Warns Of More Traffic Following Week One Of Pulaski Skyway Closure
NEW JERSEY (CBSNewYork) -- The first week of the Pulaski Skyway closure went relatively easy, but New Jersey Transportation officials warned motorists not to be fooled.
Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson told WCBS 880's Jim Smith that Week One of the New York City-bound closure was tied to coincide with many work and school vacations.
"Absolutely, we figured it would give us a chance to minimize peoples' frustration," the commissioner said.
Extra: Guide To Navigating Northbound Pulaski Skyway Shutdown
Additionally, he said it gave his department a chance to analyze the early data, which shows the New Jersey Turnpike taking up a lot of the slack.
"Look back a year ago on the same week and we had 35 percent more traffic," he said.
Simpson said the department also found not many commuters used the park and ride near Newark Airport or the ferries from Monmouth County.
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Another test is approaching this Monday as many hit the roads in a post-holiday return to work.
"I don't want to say the worst is yet to come but there's going to be more traffic coming," the commissioner said.
The inbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway are closed for a two-year bridge deck rehabilitation project.
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