NJ-NY Holland Tunnel traffic, next 2-4 yrs+ due to Skyway shutdown a/o 4-12-2014

Just a heads-up for any and all CC members driving/using between NYC and NJ via Holland Tunnel, starting next Saturday April 12, 2014. All of the northbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway bridge (NYC-bound) will be shut down for repairs & reconstruction. Traffic will be detoured to I-78 East (NJ Turnpike) and to Rt. 1 & 9 North's Truck Route (and, all the 18 wheelers or trailers will be using it due to $$$ tolls) around the clock - once the work is completed, the southbound lanes will (likely) be closed for another 2 years to complete the reconstruction/repair for the entire bridge. Many believed this will take more than 2 years to do 50% of the Skyway, so until further notice - please allow extra, EXTRA travel time to/from NYC & NJ.

Car service, taxi, commuter buses and others using the tunnels & bridges will be affected in varying degrees - and, worst on weekdays.

Traffic patterns will also be shifting to the Lincoln Tunnel in midtown Manhattan (Holland Tunnel is Lower Manhattan or downtown) and/or the GW Bridge for points further uptown in Manhattan.

Please stay tuned to news/local TV for most updated/current info next weekend & thereafter for delays & diversions in place and its impact on traffic flow. If traveling light, do consider using NJ Transit and/or Amtrak to get into NYC or stay away from the Jersey side of the Holland Tunnel approach. Otherwise, "smart" use of real-time traffic-integrated GPS Navigation (i.e Waze on iphones or Android Nav) could be very useful to go around last minute traffic delays & incidents, especially in poor weather.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/pulaski_skyway_shutdown_famed_bridge_to_be_closed_toward_nyc_for_2_years_starting_april_12.html

Safe travel & happy cruising !

Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

Hopefully Greatam will weigh in on the effect of this. Paying the extra money to go through Staten Island to Cape Liberty is looking good.

you can use the nj turnpike extension as a decent alternate. at the same time the Lincoln tnnel helix will be undergoing repair at night.

Not only can you use the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension as an alternate route, but during morning and evening rush hours the shoulder of the eastbound highway will be open to traffic, creating a 50% increase in vehicle capacity, from two lanes of traffic to three.

http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/ADVISORY_Man_Lane_System_operation.pdf

Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

 

Hopefully Greatam will weigh in on the effect of this. Paying the extra money to go through Staten Island to Cape Liberty is looking good.

Not really...the Staten Island Expy is under construction (long way to go yet) and the traffic now is awful with lanes being closed, etc. :eek:

Not only can you use the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension as an alternate route, but during morning and evening rush hours the shoulder of the eastbound highway will be open to traffic, creating a 50% increase in vehicle capacity, from two lanes of traffic to three.

 

http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/ADVISORY_Man_Lane_System_operation.pdf

LOL in all these years driving on it, I never knew it had a formal name. I always just called it the NJT extension to the Holland Tunnel(and the Bayonne Cruise terminal)...

Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!

 

Hopefully Greatam will weigh in on the effect of this. Paying the extra money to go through Staten Island to Cape Liberty is looking good.

I'll address this issue later, Carol. Been here at the Bagram outbound base since yesterday trying to get the heck out of Afghanistan. It is truly getting dangerous. I can't leave the base, can't do my job because I can't leave the base. So why bother to stay? It is not like we are going to be here for another 4-5 years. Believe me, the stupid people who are part of "pull out" team are leaving this country in one big mess, MUCH worse than right after we ran the Taliban out.

Went and spoke to the Colonel in charge of logistics after word came down about the two female AP reporters shot in Khost-one killed, the other seriously injured. I need to go to Khost, Kandahar, Laskar Goh and Herat where we have FOB's to find out what is getting left or taken out of the country and make sure the paperwork is done. But cant' do it if I am confined to this base. And now I dont' want to do it after those two women reporters were shot by an Afghani POLICEMAN.

That is just spooky, spooky, spooky. Even escorted with flak jacket and helmet, I am now truly scared for the first time. So will wait and wait and wait some more in line to get on the first plane out of here. I can't even BUY my way out because they won't let me go to the airport in Kabul. I must take mil air out of here. They are cutting off our internet access in a few minutes while they go over the list of those leaving (hopefully my name is on the list). Will keep you posted. My NY office says it could be a real mess with all the construction. Only our straight trucks use the tunnels (other trucks are too high). I'll have more info after I speak extensively with our load planners. But for right now, all I can think of is how to get out of here.

Gina

Hope you get out safely and soon Gina!

Not really...the Staten Island Expy is under construction (long way to go yet) and the traffic now is awful with lanes being closed, etc. :eek:

In addition to that the Bayonne Bridge reconstruction project that raises the height of the roadway over the water has begun, with overnight closures of the bridge and lane closures even when the bridge is open. I believe it is down to one lane open in each direction.

I'll address this issue later, Carol. Been here at the Bagram outbound base since yesterday trying to get the heck out of Afghanistan. It is truly getting dangerous. I can't leave the base, can't do my job because I can't leave the base. So why bother to stay? It is not like we are going to be here for another 4-5 years. Believe me, the stupid people who are part of "pull out" team are leaving this country in one big mess, MUCH worse than right after we ran the Taliban out.

 

Went and spoke to the Colonel in charge of logistics after word came down about the two female AP reporters shot in Khost-one killed, the other seriously injured. I need to go to Khost, Kandahar, Laskar Goh and Herat where we have FOB's to find out what is getting left or taken out of the country and make sure the paperwork is done. But cant' do it if I am confined to this base. And now I dont' want to do it after those two women reporters were shot by an Afghani POLICEMAN.

 

That is just spooky, spooky, spooky. Even escorted with flak jacket and helmet, I am now truly scared for the first time. So will wait and wait and wait some more in line to get on the first plane out of here. I can't even BUY my way out because they won't let me go to the airport in Kabul. I must take mil air out of here. They are cutting off our internet access in a few minutes while they go over the list of those leaving (hopefully my name is on the list). Will keep you posted. My NY office says it could be a real mess with all the construction. Only our straight trucks use the tunnels (other trucks are too high). I'll have more info after I speak extensively with our load planners. But for right now, all I can think of is how to get out of here.

 

Gina

Get home safe. I'll keep you in my prayers..

Sid

I'll address this issue later, Carol. Been here at the Bagram outbound base since yesterday trying to get the heck out of Afghanistan. It is truly getting dangerous. I can't leave the base, can't do my job because I can't leave the base. So why bother to stay? It is not like we are going to be here for another 4-5 years. Believe me, the stupid people who are part of "pull out" team are leaving this country in one big mess, MUCH worse than right after we ran the Taliban out.

 

Went and spoke to the Colonel in charge of logistics after word came down about the two female AP reporters shot in Khost-one killed, the other seriously injured. I need to go to Khost, Kandahar, Laskar Goh and Herat where we have FOB's to find out what is getting left or taken out of the country and make sure the paperwork is done. But cant' do it if I am confined to this base. And now I dont' want to do it after those two women reporters were shot by an Afghani POLICEMAN.

 

That is just spooky, spooky, spooky. Even escorted with flak jacket and helmet, I am now truly scared for the first time. So will wait and wait and wait some more in line to get on the first plane out of here. I can't even BUY my way out because they won't let me go to the airport in Kabul. I must take mil air out of here. They are cutting off our internet access in a few minutes while they go over the list of those leaving (hopefully my name is on the list). Will keep you posted. My NY office says it could be a real mess with all the construction. Only our straight trucks use the tunnels (other trucks are too high). I'll have more info after I speak extensively with our load planners. But for right now, all I can think of is how to get out of here.

 

Gina

OMG!!!!! Be safe and get yourself the he** out of there. Who gives a hoot about the Skyway.

Drivers could be facing gridlock conditions this weekend & next week's commute last years ... http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/04/11/drivers-brace-for-massive-gridlock-as-northbound-lanes-of-pulaski-skyway-set-to-close/

Here's one of the "Survival Guide" posted by CBSNews Channel 2 - with maps (click on the link & zoom in/out for details) about various detour options and alternate routes: non-truckers might want to use the tolled NJ Turnpike Extension to the Holland Tunnel instead (also known as I-78 East) http://newyork.cbslocal.com/guide/pulaski/

GPS devices alone might not be sufficient without updated real-time NAV assist functions. Best source for info/options would be live AM News Radio 880 or 1010 news every 8 or 11 minutes over-the-air.

Getting out of/into Newark (EWR) Airport itself should not be a problem - but the express/local Rt-1/9 truck routes will be affected in varying degrees between nearby Newark & downtown Jersey City approaches to the Holland Tunnel. We drove on the Skyway - for one last time for the next 4 to 5 years - last Sunday go out/coming back from Linden south of the airport (far from Liberty Cruise Terminal) with signs posted already & warnings, yesterday & this morning's routine commuting delay was about 30 minutes (fairly typical) - weekends should be somewhat better in the morning hours but generally progressively worsen as the day go on.

For those familiar with the area, Tunnele Circle in Jersey City or Rt. 139/Rt. 25 with the infamous dark underpass, that many drivers consider part of Rt 1/9 to//from the Holland Tunnel also has long-term reconstruction & road work, down to 2 lanes merging into the underpass area. Taxis & care service drivers, etc. will be busy figuring out their best options and some will get be lost & caught in jams, please allow extra travel time for your cruises and pack your "patience"

Going around via Staten Island isn't necessary going to help, especially during rush hours for those traveling on weekdays. Mass Transit - NJT and PATH commuter train will help (beware of weekend partial closure & detours) and shutown of Newark AirTrain starting May 1st. for 75 days already posted by BL here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2023788

NJ DOT's official website link to the Skyway closure details, etc. - http://www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/roads/pulaski/

Helicopters anyone????

You know before every major Holiday, the NY TV and Radio stations issue a traffic alert that the traffic will be at a standstill and that you should find alternate means. In general this empties out NYC and I can tell you that these traffic alert weekends are sometimes the best time for driving in NYC. That doesn't mean that the usual suspects aren't tied up or that a traffic accident won't block the BQE, LIE or NJT for a 100 miles. But in general unless you are driving during the real worst rush hour periods traffic moves relatively well(better than Cairo, Atlanta or Chicago to name a few)...

wait and see what happens. Don't over worry about this you have enough to worry about with out this...chicken little the skyway isn't falling on you.

PS my helicopter is in the shop...always

Hilo is mostly out of the question, too little capacity and with FAA's VFR restrictions, even when it's available & affordable to the premium pax - FT flying in/out of EWR will be competing for those. Heading to JFK closer to us this afternoon & learning that POTUS will be landing around 3 PM and flying back out later, temporary restrictions & frozen zones will be imposed on a # of routes once AF1 landed & M1 airborne ... It's all part of being New York, NY - oh, well and showers/rain on its way.

Well, there's always tendering (LOL) :D - I meant, NY Waterways http://www.nycruise.com/schedule/ - except, that getting to its waterfront terminals, at least on the Jersey side itself are going to be just as challenging. Just be mindful for allowing extra travel time & patience.

The challenge would be the weekend of May 4th. as MCT has both the NCL Breakaway & CCL Splendor docking on that Sunday and surely, RCI with action over at Cape Liberty http://www.nycruise.com/schedule/

Now if someone could come up with a plan for a bicycle with luggage rack we would have it made! Bike lanes all over and no traffic back-ups on those!

How will this affect those traveling up from the south on the New Jersey Turnpike to get to Cape Liberty?

Honestly, we don't know the effect yet because the closure is just starting. Please be patient and follow the posts on this forum as the story unfolds.

Coming from the south you have the option of getting off the NJ Turnpike at Exit 10 and taking the Outerbridge Crossing Bridge to Staten Island and following route 440 to Cape Liberty. This costs about $7 more which is the difference between the $13 bridge toll less about $6 saved in NJ Turnpike tolls. For your return trip, you should be able to just get on the NJ Turnpike at exit 14A because the westbound route is not affected by the closure at this time.

Greatam's Directions

95 North to Exit 10 (Outer Bridge Crossing) to Rt 440 East (it actually runs NE). When 440 gets close to 278, it runs parallel with 278 East for just a short distance (Exit 5 to Exit 8). Exit 8 is the continuation of 440 NORTH over the Bayonne Bridge. Going NORTH on 440 allows you to make a RIGHT turn into the port on Port Terminal Blvd and keeps you away from the MASS of traffic coming off Exit 14A which can be a very long line.

since the NJT Turnpike extension remains open why wouldn't the detour just mean you stay on the NJT Turnpike to exit 14 take the extension to 14 a or b and follow the signs.

Honestly people are just overly thinking this.

Taking a wait and see attitude is wise. Even the NJ official speaking on news radio alluded to the fact that they just don't know how it is all going to pan out. He stated if everybody takes the turnpike extension that could be a mess too. His advice was to leave very early like 4 am or prepare to sit in traffic. The big problem is all the trucks that need to get into Manhattan. I'm just repeating what I heard on 1010

since the NJT Turnpike extension remains open why wouldn't the detour just mean you stay on the NJT Turnpike to exit 14 take the extension to 14 a or b and follow the signs.

Honestly people are just overly thinking this.

this am

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2014/04/route_7_is_worst_of_alternate_skyway_routes_so_far_this_morning_reports.html

this am

 

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2014/04/route_7_is_worst_of_alternate_skyway_routes_so_far_this_morning_reports.html

As I mentioned on the other thread, we need to wait at least a week to get a true picture of traffic conditions because traffic will be much lighter than normal this week due to Holy Week and Passover.

since the NJT Turnpike extension remains open why wouldn't the detour just mean you stay on the NJT Turnpike to exit 14 take the extension to 14 a or b and follow the signs.

Honestly people are just overly thinking this.

I agree with your point. I think the impact will be minimal barring any major traffic incidents on the Bay Extension. So far this week traffic has been backed up going into the Lincoln Tunnel and onto Truck route 1/9 north(which is where the Pulaski detour begins). Traffic on the Turnpike Bay Extension has been moving well. I have personally witnessed this.

I travel 14A to 14 back and forth to work everyday. So far, there have been no incidents at all. One caveat, a lot of schools are off this week. This has been previously mentioned, so things may change. One recommendation I can give (having experienced this myself), is that when the shoulder, which has been turned into a third travel lane is open at peak times, specified by a green arrow, anyone not familiar with the road should get into the shoulder lane as soon as possible after getting onto the bridge, and stay there until the Bayonne 14A exit. If you don't, and traffic is heavy, you may find yourself in a situation where you will miss the Bayonne exit, as the lane crosses the exit itself. The best analogy I can give is trying to make an exit ramp from the middle lane of a highway. I will post back at times, especially around cruise days, if I see any potential problems for inbound drivers to the port.

Thanks Joe. I can't imagine that bridge being three lanes!