New Jersey, though small in size, grapples with a substantial population and notorious traffic challenges. Reports and studies consistently rank it among the states with the most severe traffic congestion. The roads, clogged with vehicles, create frustration for drivers, adversely impacting the economy, environment, and overall quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top 10 most congested roads in New Jersey, explore the reasons behind their congestion, and discuss potential improvements.
The Top 10 Most Congested Roads in New Jersey
According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the intersection of I-95 and Route 4 in Fort Lee, leading to the George Washington Bridge, stands as the most congested highway section in the country. This bottleneck, plagued by high traffic volume, frequent accidents, and bridge limitations, has maintained its top ranking for four consecutive years. However, this intersection is not the sole culprit. ATRI identifies another congested New Jersey road: the intersection of I-76 and I-676 in Camden, ranking 86th, connecting to the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Further, the transportation analytics company INRIX places two New Jersey cities, Newark (7th) and Jersey City (9th), in the top 10 list of the most congested urban areas globally. The report indicates Newark drivers lose 87 hours and Jersey City drivers lose 83 hours annually due to congestion.
A survey by WPG Talk Radio unveils the top 10 most hated roads in New Jersey, as named by drivers:
- U.S. Route 322 across Gloucester County
- U.S. Route 130 in Burlington
- Route 55 where it ends at Route 47
- Routes 47 and 347
- Routes 1&9 / Truck 1&9
- Garden State Parkway
- Interstate 78
- U.S. Route 22
- New Jersey Turnpike
- Interstate 287
Factors Contributing to Congestion
Numerous factors contribute to New Jersey’s traffic congestion:
- Population Density: With 9.3 million people in 8,722 square miles, New Jersey is the most densely populated state. High numbers of commuters and tourists exacerbate traffic.
- Road Design: Aging road infrastructure, characterized by narrow, curvy, and poorly maintained roads, contributes to reduced speed and safety. Intersections, traffic lights, toll booths, and bridges create bottlenecks.
- Road Usage: Diverse vehicles and purposes (commuting, shopping, recreation) on the same roads, coupled with external events like weather and accidents, disrupt traffic flow.
Improving Congested Roads
Several solutions could alleviate New Jersey’s traffic congestion:
- Investing in Infrastructure: Expanding and improving the road network, investing in alternative transportation modes, and creating park-and-ride facilities can enhance mobility.
- Implementing Technology: Deploying smart traffic management systems, electronic toll gantries, and real-time information systems can optimize traffic flow and toll collection.
- Changing Behavior: Encouraging drivers to alter habits, such as driving efficiently, at off-peak hours, or opting for alternative modes of transportation, can contribute to congestion reduction.
Addressing these issues could unlock New Jersey’s potential, fostering improvements in mobility, economy, environment, and overall quality of life for its residents.