Buckling Roadway on Garden State Parkway Causes Major Delays

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Overview:

On August 18th, 2023, a section of the Garden State Parkway experienced severe buckling, causing significant delays and traffic disruptions. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 AM between Exit 105 (Route 18) and Exit 116 (Route 34), impacting both the northbound and southbound lanes.

Cause of the Buckling:

The exact cause of the roadway buckling is still under investigation by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). However, preliminary assessments suggest that a combination of factors may have contributed to the incident, including:

Prolonged heat and humidity, which weakened the asphalt pavement
Heavy truck traffic, which put additional stress on the roadway
Possible foundation issues beneath the pavement

Impact on Traffic:

The buckling roadway caused immediate and significant traffic delays in both directions of the Garden State Parkway. Emergency crews were promptly dispatched to the scene and began repairs, but the extensive damage necessitated lane closures and detours.

Northbound traffic was detoured at Exit 105 (Route 18) and directed to local roads to avoid the affected area. Southbound traffic was detoured at Exit 116 (Route 34) and routed to alternate routes.

Delays and Congestion:

The traffic delays extended for several miles in both directions, with motorists experiencing significant wait times. The detours added additional travel time and increased congestion on local roads.

Duration of Repairs:

NJDOT crews worked diligently to repair the damaged roadway, but the extent of the damage required significant time and effort to address. The initial estimates indicated that repairs could take several days, potentially causing ongoing traffic disruptions.

Emergency Services:

Emergency services personnel were on standby at the scene of the incident to respond to any potential accidents or medical emergencies. While there were no immediate injuries reported, the traffic congestion could have delayed response times for emergency vehicles in the affected area.

Current Status:

As of August 19th, 2023, repairs to the Garden State Parkway are ongoing. Traffic delays continue to be experienced, but lane closures and detours have been adjusted to minimize disruption. Motorists are advised to check for real-time updates and allow for additional travel time when commuting through the affected area.

Advice for Motorists:

Monitor real-time traffic updates using traffic apps or websites
Allow for extra travel time if traveling through the affected area
Use alternate routes if possible
Be patient and cautious when driving through the detour areas
Follow all instructions and signage from emergency personnel and traffic control officers

NJDOT Response:

NJDOT has been actively monitoring the situation and communicating updates with the public. The department is committed to repairing the damaged roadway as quickly and efficiently as possible to restore normal traffic flow.

NJDOT reminds motorists of the importance of driving safely, especially in areas with construction or repairs underway. Motorists should be alert, obey speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance.