The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced that it will be closing the Pulaski Skyway in both directions this weekend for pier replacement work as the rehabilitation of the 87-year-old bridge advances. The work was originally scheduled for July 20, but was postponed due to weather.
To avoid delays, NJDOT encourages motorists to use the NJ Turnpike’s Hudson County Extension to all destinations, including the Holland Tunnel, I-78, I-280, Route 7, Route 1&9 Truck southbound. All other motorists will be directed to Route 1&9 Truck in both directions.
The closures will begin at 11 p.m. Aug. 2. The bridge is scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 5. If the work is completed early, the Skyway will open sooner.
Heavy congestion and delays are expected in Tonnelle Circle.
Northbound closure and detour
The northbound closure will begin past Newark Liberty International Airport with the Route 1&9 Express lanes closed, and all traffic directed onto the local lanes. Traffic will follow Route 1&9 Truck route northbound to the intersection of Route 7 and Route 1&9 Truck in Jersey City.
Northbound motorists heading to Hoboken, Jersey City, or New York City may use the New Jersey Turnpike-Hudson County extension.
Southbound closure and detour
The southbound closure will begin south of Tonnelle Circle, with the ramp from the Tonnelle Circle to the Skyway closed. Traffic coming from Route 139 will be directed to the off ramp to I-280/Route 7 and Route 1&9 southbound.
Traffic on Route 1&9 south heading toward Tonnelle Circle is encouraged to stay right and use the ramp to Route 1&9 Truck.
Southbound detour toward Newark
Leaving the Holland Tunnel, motorists will have the following options:
– Stay to the far right and take the NJ Turnpike-Hudson County extension to all destinations west and south, including I-78. This is the recommended option.
– Stay to the left and follow signs for Route 139 West, then stay left to Route 1&9 Truck southbound toward Newark, Route 7, and I-280.
Local Traffic for Jersey City
Stay to the middle to take Route 139 Upper Roadway and follow signs to Kennedy Boulevard/Jersey City, to best access many local Jersey City locations and other points north in Secaucus.
The work is part of the $1 billion Pulaski Skyway rehabilitation project, which is being advanced through 10 separate construction contracts. The improvements will extend the lifespan of the Skyway by 75 years.
For more information on the project, visit pulaskiskyway.com.
For updates on this and more stories check hudsonreporter.com or follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Mike Montemarano can be reached at mikem@hudsonreporter.com.
