Location: Main - Transportation - NJ Highways & Roads
| NJ Highways & Roads |
Major Highways
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is the main highway which runs from Delaware to New York and extends for 148 miles with 28 interchanges. Most people only see the most northeastern section around Newark Liberty International Airport and is one of the reasons why people feel New Jersey is only filled with oil refineries. The Turnpike is a toll road which has been immortalized in American culture, such as the intro to The Sopranos, The Godfather, Simon & Garfunkel's "America", etc.
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| Jug Handles |
| No we're not referring to handles on pitchers here. Jug Handles help prevent traffic on heavily traveled roads by making people get off the roadway on the right, instead of installing left hand turn lanes and a left hand turn light. |
| Circles |
| Circles, commonly called Roundabouts in England are located throughout New Jersey, although many have been removed. For people who are not used to them, they can be difficult to maneuver. Basically the traffic just flows in a circle, with generally four or more roads connecting with the circle. If you miss the road you should have used to get out of the circle, merely stay calm and go around again. |
| Route |
| The use of the word Route (pronounced root) for all major roadways seems to be unique to NJ. Whether a person is talking about an interstate such as Rt 80 or a US Highway such as Rt 1, it is referred to as Route or just the number. Don't be surprised if you stop for directions and someone says "Take 80.." or "Take Rt 1 to 287...". |
| Important Road Rules |
| Wipers on Lights on: This statement is often times seen at the entrance into NJ. This means, if it is raining, you MUST have your headlights on. Cell Phones: There is NO cell phone use allowed in NJ while driving, unless you have a hands free set. Speed Lane: This is a pet-peeve of all New Jerseyans. The left hand lane of the highway is reserved for passing only. Commonly referred to as the speed lane, although technically it's the passing lane. There is just one thing to remember with this lane, if you are going the same speed as the traffic in the right hand lanes, STAY OUT of the speed lane. |
Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway or the Parkway - is commonly thought of as the "Shore Highway" although it does go much further north than the shore. The Parkway extends for 173 miles from Montvale along the NY state border to Cape May. It was built in 1954 to relieve traffic from Rt 9. During the summer the Parkway lives up to it's name - it can literally turn into a parking lot on Friday afternoons as New Yorkers and northern New Jerseyans head down the shore for the weekend. The opposite is true on Sundays when the northbound lanes become a parking lot. The Parkway intersects the Turnpike at Exit 129 and Exit 142 northbound.
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Atlantic City Expressway
The Atlantic City Expressway runs west to east to Atlantic City. The AC Expresway was built to make it easier for people coming from Philadelpia to get to the gambling capital of the east coast.
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Rt 78
Rt 80
Rt 195
Minor Highways
Backroads
Why not get off the highways and explore the REAL New Jersey. The small villages, the fantastic wilderness, and much more are all there to be explored. In the small villages there are many interesting shops, such as in Allentown in Montmouth County. There is Emery's which is a farm in New Egypt where you can get fantastic fresh fruit, vegetables and magnificent pies. People who claim they have been to NJ and have only been on the Turnpike, have not been to New Jersey. So come on, if you want a great road trip, why not take the backroads through the Pine Barrens or the winding mountain roads from Sussex to Somerset. I can guarantee you that New Jersey's roads are just as beautiful and picturesque as anything in Oregon or any other state. For the ultimate map to guide you in your backwoods travels - get the New Jersey Atlas & Gazetteer.
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| Reference Material and Official Websites | ||
| - New Jersey Turnpike - NJ Road Map (PDF) - EZ Pass - NJ Commuter |
- Garden State Parkway - New Jersey Department of Transportation |
- Atlantic City Expressway - New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission |
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