N.J. weather prompts authorities to ban a range of vehicles from several major highways. Watch video
Officials on Tuesday banned commercial vehicles from several major New Jersey highways as forecasters warned of a powerful storm that could bury areas of the state in at least a foot of snow.
The commercial vehicle ban came two weeks after dozens of motorists were trapped in their cars for hours in a traffic nightmare on highways during a March 7 nor’easter. Multiple tractor-trailers became disabled during that storm, bringing some highways to a halt and leaving motorists stranded for more than eight hours before they were freed by snowmobile-riding search and rescue crews.
New Jersey State Police ordered the ban effective at 8 p.m. for the entire length of I-78, I-80, I-280 and I-287. It applies to all tractor trailers, empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, passenger vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles and motorcycles.
“Trucks already in New Jersey are encouraged to use truck stops or rest areas during the ban,” police said. “In order for road crews to effectively plow, drivers should not park on shoulders.”
Police did not say when the ban will be lifted and urged people to stay off the roads during the storm, which was expected to hit Wednesday.
“Residents and motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response,” State Police said in a statement on Facebook. “If you do not have to be on the roads during the storm, please stay home. If you must go out, drive slowly, fill your gas tank, charge your phone, pack blankets, water and non-perishable food items.”
State Police responded to 356 crashes and aided 462 motorists for everything from flat tires to spinouts since during the last storm.
Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.