Updated Sept. 18, 2026, 5:15 p.m. ET
As of this afternoon, traffic is heavily impacted in multiple locations due to ongoing construction and crash investigations in the region.
14-mile backup on the Garden State Parkway
A 14-mile backup has formed on the Garden State Parkway southbound, starting from Exit 98 (Route 138) in Wall and extending to Exit 82 (Route 37 East) in Toms River, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. This traffic congestion was reported around 4 p.m. today.
2-mile backup on the Garden State Parkway in Lakewood
At approximately 3 p.m., a two-mile backup was reported in the southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway from Exit 89C (Lakewood Road) to Exit 89A (Route 70 East) in Lakewood. State authorities warn of possible delays in the area.
Route 79 closed in Freehold Township due to crash investigation
Authorities have closed all lanes on Route 79 northbound and southbound, south of Kozloski Road in Freehold Township, for a motor vehicle crash investigation. This closure has been in effect for nearly two hours.
Road construction work at the Shore
Road construction is affecting traffic in the northbound express lanes of the Garden State Parkway from Exit 120 in Matawan to the Jon Bon Jovi Service Area in Sayreville, with the left lane currently closed.
Additionally, construction on Route 35 southbound near West Park Ave. in Ocean Township has closed the left shoulder until approximately 3 p.m. today. Similar lane closures are in effect on Route 36 southbound from Monmouth Park to Oceanport Avenue in West Long Branch until 4 p.m., and on Route 35 northbound at Atlantic Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach, also until 4 p.m.