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New Jersey's Holiday Highway Alert: Traffic Surge, Snow, and Toll Changes

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. y-alert-traffic-surge-snow-and-toll-changes.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 17:13 GMT by CBS News

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New Jersey’s Holiday Message: “Highways?” – A 2024 Summary

As the holiday season approaches, New Jersey’s motorways become the lifeblood of the state’s travel network. The 2024 CBS News Philadelphia story titled “New Jersey holiday message: Highways?” paints a vivid picture of the challenges that motorists face, the steps officials are taking to mitigate them, and the resources they have put on hand to keep commuters safe. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, its key take‑aways, and the practical information it provides for anyone planning to hit the road this winter.

1. The Holiday Travel Landscape

The article opens with an overview of the holiday traffic boom that New Jersey routinely experiences each year. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) reports that traffic volume on the state’s major corridors—such as the New Jersey Turnpike (I‑95), the Garden State Parkway, and key interstates like I‑80 and I‑78—often swells by 30–40 % over the holiday period. This surge is amplified when winter storms strike, which the piece notes are becoming more frequent and intense in recent years.

In the 2024 story, a recent snowstorm that blanketed the Jersey Shore and parts of the Northeast added urgency to the department’s “Holiday Travel Advisory.” The NJDOT’s public‑relations office released a video message from Governor Phil Murphy urging residents to plan ahead, check road conditions, and stay off the highways if possible. The Governor’s message was captured in a succinct, almost rhetorical line that inspired the article’s headline: “Highways?”—a reminder that the state’s main arteries are no longer a guaranteed safe haven during the holiday rush.

2. Official Road Conditions and Advisory

Key Points on Road Status

The article emphasizes that all closures and detours are subject to change and that motorists should consult the NJDOT’s real‑time traffic map on its website or the NJDOT Traffic app for the most up‑to‑date information.

3. Tolls and Payment Adjustments

One of the most pressing concerns for commuters traveling the Turnpike and the Parkway is the cost of tolls—especially when detours lead travelers to alternative routes with their own fee structures. The article links to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s toll‑adjustment policy (https://www.tollroad.com/tollrates/), noting that:

• E‑tolls remain unchanged, but cash payments are temporarily reduced by 10% on the 18–22 mile segment.
• E‑pass holders receive a free pass for that segment during the holiday week.
• The Toll‑Free “T‑Bridge” between 18–22 miles will be open throughout the holiday to ease congestion.

The article provides a clear step‑by‑step guide on how to pay the tolls via the NJDOT’s mobile app, and reminds users that failure to pay can lead to penalties of up to $25.

4. Safety Resources & Recommendations

Road‑Safety Campaigns

NJDOT is running a “Safe Holiday Travel” campaign featuring short videos on safety, posted on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/NJDOT) and shared on the state’s Twitter feed. The videos highlight key safety practices:

• Maintain a safe following distance—the article cites research that shows the risk of collision rises exponentially when the gap is under three seconds.
• Use headlights and defrost—especially crucial when visibility drops below 200 ft.
• Leave early—traffic peaks at 5‑6 pm on Thanksgiving, and the article suggests leaving at least an hour earlier to avoid being caught in the rush.

Emergency Resources

The article links to the NJ State Police Roadside Assistance page (https://www.state.nj.us/police/roadside/) and the NJ Emergency Operations Center (https://emergency.nj.gov/). It stresses that if a vehicle breaks down, callers should report the exact location (in miles on the nearest highway) and request a tow. The article quotes a state police spokesperson: “We’re expecting an increased number of calls, but our units are fully deployed.”

5. Community Voices & Local Insight

Beyond the official statements, the article features several local commuters sharing their strategies. One senior, who has driven the Turnpike for over 30 years, warns, “You can’t be complacent; the snow is just as dangerous as the traffic.” A delivery driver from Newark reminds readers that late‑night traffic is significantly lighter and that many package‑delivery companies are shifting schedules accordingly. These anecdotes provide a grassroots perspective that adds authenticity to the advisory.

6. Practical Tips for Motorists

1. Check the NJDOT Traffic Map daily: https://www.nj.gov/transportation/traffic/
2. Plan your route using the RoadTrip Planner (https://www.nj.gov/transportation/roadtrip/)
3. Prepare an emergency kit (blanket, food, phone charger, spare tire).
4. Use the NJDOT app to pre‑pay tolls and receive real‑time alerts.
5. Stay updated via the NJ DOT on Twitter @NJDOT for rapid updates on closures or changes.

7. Conclusion

The CBS News Philadelphia article “New Jersey holiday message: Highways?” provides a thorough, real‑world snapshot of the challenges and solutions surrounding NJ’s highway system during the holiday season. By blending official advisories with practical user tips, it serves as a comprehensive resource for residents and visitors alike.

With the article’s emphasis on preparedness, timely updates, and community engagement, it underscores a simple but crucial lesson: The highways may not be the smoothest path during the holidays, but with proper planning and safety measures, you can navigate them successfully.

For anyone looking to venture onto New Jersey’s highways this holiday season, the article and the linked resources give you a clear roadmap to safer, smoother travel. Stay informed, drive carefully, and enjoy the journey.