New Jersey Turnpike

[The Ghostbuster]

The two Interstate 291s in Hartford, CT and in Springfield, MA are relatively close to each other. So are the two Interstate 695s in Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C. (the latter was un-signposted until 2011 and is planned to become a relocation of Interstate 395). Interstate 695 in New York and the new Interstate 695 in New Jersey are closer than the other two pairs, but hopefully any confusion will be minimal.

[bzakharin]

If you ask me, I-695 should be what I-295 is starting in Delaware, with I-295 beginning at the current NJTP/295 interchange.  It really is silly how I-295 'continues' at this exit even though it is so marginalized.  While we are it, can we please have I-295 and I-95 in Bordentown connect?  I hate having an offspring 3 digit road not connect to its parent.

I'm sorry, what? If you are going southbound on I-295 you end up on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. How is that marginalized? Or do you mean going northbound? Ok, so NJTP gets 3 lanes for I-295's 2 lanes. Is that really such a problem?

[SignBridge]

I'm surprised that there's talk of making the Eastern split into I-695. Do they not realize that there's already another I-695 across the Hudson in New York? Since I-895 no longer exists anywhere in the area, a better idea would be to reuse that number for the split. (And I really had such high hopes for I-95E and I-95W.)

I too would have much preferred 95W and 95E. It's just so damned logical and intuitive. 

[roadman65]

It's done. I+695 close to New York's version is approved by ASHTO. Nothing we can do about it.

[SignBridge]

Wouldn't FHWA have to approve it; not AASHTO?

[jeffandnicole]

New Jersey Turnpike Authority
Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program
Interchange 14 to Interchange 14A
Jersey City Public Information Center Announcement

Tuesday, July 9, 2024
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center
140 Martin Luther King Dr., Jersey City, NJ 0730

https://www.njta.com/media/8293/jersey-city-pic-announcement.pdf

...The NJ Turnpike Authority will hold the program's third open house, formally referred to as a Public Information Center (PIC), to provide residents, public officials, and the small business community with information on the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program (the Program).

The PIC will focus on the Program's first and highest priority project, the reconstruction between Interchange 14 in Newark and Interchange 14A in Bayonne and Jersey City. The first project includes the replacement of the nearly 70-year-old Vincent Robert Casciano Bridge, known as the Newark Bay Bridge, with new twin cable-stayed bridges. Construction for the Program's first project is scheduled to begin in 2026 and last approximately 10 years...

[artmalk]

Will I-695 be signed?

[SignBridge]

Will I-695 be signed?

It looks like it. In earlier posts there were photos of new changeable message signs going up that appeared to have an empty space where the I-695 shields will go.

[bluecountry]

If you ask me, I-695 should be what I-295 is starting in Delaware, with I-295 beginning at the current NJTP/295 interchange.  It really is silly how I-295 'continues' at this exit even though it is so marginalized.  While we are it, can we please have I-295 and I-95 in Bordentown connect?  I hate having an offspring 3 digit road not connect to its parent.

I'm sorry, what? If you are going southbound on I-295 you end up on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. How is that marginalized? Or do you mean going northbound? Ok, so NJTP gets 3 lanes for I-295's 2 lanes. Is that really such a problem?

The exit going NB to 295 at the NJTP is not representative of an continuing interstate.

[jeffandnicole]

If you ask me, I-695 should be what I-295 is starting in Delaware, with I-295 beginning at the current NJTP/295 interchange.  It really is silly how I-295 'continues' at this exit even though it is so marginalized.  While we are it, can we please have I-295 and I-95 in Bordentown connect?  I hate having an offspring 3 digit road not connect to its parent.

I'm sorry, what? If you are going southbound on I-295 you end up on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. How is that marginalized? Or do you mean going northbound? Ok, so NJTP gets 3 lanes for I-295's 2 lanes. Is that really such a problem?

The exit going NB to 295 at the NJTP is not representative of an continuing interstate.

I-295 isn't exiting.  The NJ Turnpike is the exit (as represented by the 'Exit Only' signage).

Also: How does that differ from I-95 exiting at Exit 6 to continue south?  Or I-95 exiting the PA Turnpike to continue south?

[mrsman]

I'm surprised that there's talk of making the Eastern split into I-695. Do they not realize that there's already another I-695 across the Hudson in New York? Since I-895 no longer exists anywhere in the area, a better idea would be to reuse that number for the split. (And I really had such high hopes for I-95E and I-95W.)

I would also prefer I-95E, especially given that I-69 in TX seems to be allowed to have letter suffixes (as opposed to only allowing the current examples of I-35E and I-35W to be grandfathered). 


At the same time, I don't believe that 695 would cause much confusion.  I guess someone coming from CT may find directions that say take I-95 to I-695 and may take the Throgs Neck Bridge instead of the eastern spur.  But I find it hard to believe because there is good signage of control cities* at the 95/695 split in the Bronx. 

695 is a very short highway and I don't think it is very well known around metro-NYC outside of those who regularly use the Throgs Neck Bridge or this part of I-95 in northeastern Bronx.

* Good signage for 695.  I disagree with the use of Trenton as the control for SB 95 and I prefer Newark.

[roadman65]

It should be Newark up until Newark and then Trenton. Although Philadelphia should really be used south of Newark now that I-95 is complete and is used SB on the Garden State Parkway at the NJ Turnpike exit in Woodbridge.

[bluecountry]

Will I-695 be signed?

I would like to know too when this goes into effect.

If you ask me, I-695 should be what I-295 is starting in Delaware, with I-295 beginning at the current NJTP/295 interchange.  It really is silly how I-295 'continues' at this exit even though it is so marginalized.  While we are it, can we please have I-295 and I-95 in Bordentown connect?  I hate having an offspring 3 digit road not connect to its parent.

I'm sorry, what? If you are going southbound on I-295 you end up on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. How is that marginalized? Or do you mean going northbound? Ok, so NJTP gets 3 lanes for I-295's 2 lanes. Is that really such a problem?

The exit going NB to 295 at the NJTP is not representative of an continuing interstate.

I-295 isn't exiting.  The NJ Turnpike is the exit (as represented by the 'Exit Only' signage).

Also: How does that differ from I-95 exiting at Exit 6 to continue south?  Or I-95 exiting the PA Turnpike to continue south?

It's completely different.  Exit 6 SB is a very large off ramp appropriate for an interstate continuing.
When entering NJ on I-295 from DE, it really seems like I-295 is the exit, and some minor exit with it's tight narrow curves.

[bluecountry]

I really think NJ is not prioritizing improvement correctly.

- Having the ability to switch between Car and Car/Truck is great, but before expanding to 6 lanes at the southernmost point, I feel these should be done:
1.  MAKE the exits/entrances complaint with the Interstate Standards!  I cannot believe most exits still have the arcane original design, and that this is not the most important project!  The other day I was entering the NJTP to go SB from the Goethals Bridge, my god it was so difficult to get in the correct lane.  This is hideous.

Frankly, all the others are well below that in my view, but would be:
1. Direct connection to the AC expressway.
2. The entire segment of 95E/95W, both sections should have 6 lanes in all areas.
3.  From Exit 6 to exit 4, it should be 8 lanes.
4.  Exit 4 to 3 6 lanes.

[sprjus4]

It's completely different.  Exit 6 SB is a very large off ramp appropriate for an interstate continuing.
When entering NJ on I-295 from DE, it really seems like I-295 is the exit, and some minor exit with it's tight narrow curves.

I-295 maintains 2 thru lanes through the interchange, and has a fairly large curve radii. Sure, you cannot take it at 80 mph, but it's not like you have to slow down to 25 mph. It's not a minor exit, nor is it designed as such.

NJTP is signed as a left exit here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/92w5QZ94tKZA2gRY9?g_st=ic

[sprjus4]

I really think NJ is not prioritizing improvement correctly.

- Having the ability to switch between Car and Car/Truck is great, but before expanding to 6 lanes at the southernmost point, I feel these should be done:
1.  MAKE the exits/entrances complaint with the Interstate Standards!  I cannot believe most exits still have the arcane original design, and that this is not the most important project!  The other day I was entering the NJTP to go SB from the Goethals Bridge, my god it was so difficult to get in the correct lane.  This is hideous.

Frankly, all the others are well below that in my view, but would be:
1. Direct connection to the AC expressway.
2. The entire segment of 95E/95W, both sections should have 6 lanes in all areas.
3.  From Exit 6 to exit 4, it should be 8 lanes.
4.  Exit 4 to 3 6 lanes.

I'll add a project you missed, Exit 1 to Exit 4 widening to 6 lanes 

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, I believe.

[1995hoo]

It's completely different.  Exit 6 SB is a very large off ramp appropriate for an interstate continuing.
When entering NJ on I-295 from DE, it really seems like I-295 is the exit, and some minor exit with it's tight narrow curves.

I-295 maintains 2 thru lanes through the interchange, and has a fairly large curve radii. Sure, you cannot take it at 80 mph, but it's not like you have to slow down to 25 mph. It's not a minor exit, nor is it designed as such.

NJTP is signed as a left exit here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/92w5QZ94tKZA2gRY9?g_st=ic

In fairness to bluecountry, that's relatively recent. For many years, neither road was signed as an "exit" there.

[sprjus4]

It's completely different.  Exit 6 SB is a very large off ramp appropriate for an interstate continuing.
When entering NJ on I-295 from DE, it really seems like I-295 is the exit, and some minor exit with it's tight narrow curves.

I-295 maintains 2 thru lanes through the interchange, and has a fairly large curve radii. Sure, you cannot take it at 80 mph, but it's not like you have to slow down to 25 mph. It's not a minor exit, nor is it designed as such.

NJTP is signed as a left exit here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/92w5QZ94tKZA2gRY9?g_st=ic

In fairness to bluecountry, that's relatively recent. For many years, neither road was signed as an "exit" there.

Nonetheless, I-295 was never considered an "exit".

[1995hoo]

It's completely different.  Exit 6 SB is a very large off ramp appropriate for an interstate continuing.
When entering NJ on I-295 from DE, it really seems like I-295 is the exit, and some minor exit with it's tight narrow curves.

I-295 maintains 2 thru lanes through the interchange, and has a fairly large curve radii. Sure, you cannot take it at 80 mph, but it's not like you have to slow down to 25 mph. It's not a minor exit, nor is it designed as such.

NJTP is signed as a left exit here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/92w5QZ94tKZA2gRY9?g_st=ic

In fairness to bluecountry, that's relatively recent. For many years, neither road was signed as an "exit" there.

Nonetheless, I-295 was never considered an "exit".

No dispute from me there. Certainly I agree that the routing to the Turnpike has always felt like the primary movement through that area, but that definitely doesn't make the thru routing on I-295 an "exit."

[bluecountry]

It's completely different.  Exit 6 SB is a very large off ramp appropriate for an interstate continuing.
When entering NJ on I-295 from DE, it really seems like I-295 is the exit, and some minor exit with it's tight narrow curves.

I-295 maintains 2 thru lanes through the interchange, and has a fairly large curve radii. Sure, you cannot take it at 80 mph, but it's not like you have to slow down to 25 mph. It's not a minor exit, nor is it designed as such.

NJTP is signed as a left exit here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/92w5QZ94tKZA2gRY9?g_st=ic

In fairness to bluecountry, that's relatively recent. For many years, neither road was signed as an "exit" there.

Nonetheless, I-295 was never considered an "exit".

No dispute from me there. Certainly I agree that the routing to the Turnpike has always felt like the primary movement through that area, but that definitely doesn't make the thru routing on I-295 an "exit."

Yes, that is the perfect word, it definitely does not feel like the primary but something significantly less as opposed to exit 6.

I really think NJ is not prioritizing improvement correctly.

- Having the ability to switch between Car and Car/Truck is great, but before expanding to 6 lanes at the southernmost point, I feel these should be done:
1.  MAKE the exits/entrances complaint with the Interstate Standards!  I cannot believe most exits still have the arcane original design, and that this is not the most important project!  The other day I was entering the NJTP to go SB from the Goethals Bridge, my god it was so difficult to get in the correct lane.  This is hideous.

Frankly, all the others are well below that in my view, but would be:
1. Direct connection to the AC expressway.
2. The entire segment of 95E/95W, both sections should have 6 lanes in all areas.
3.  From Exit 6 to exit 4, it should be 8 lanes.
4.  Exit 4 to 3 6 lanes.

I'll add a project you missed, Exit 1 to Exit 4 widening to 6 lanes 

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, I believe.

I think that project is being held up for the time being due to opposition.
In any case, I feel that is a grossly out of line priority.
Fixing those substandard exits should have been 30 years ago.

[jeffandnicole]

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, I believe.

I think that project is being held up for the time being due to opposition.
In any case, I feel that is a grossly out of line priority.
Fixing those substandard exits should have been 30 years ago.

There's very little opposition. They'll always get some people against it because they want trains, or someone doesn't want the widening in their backyard, but that's not stopping or delaying the project.  I believe actual construction is pushed back to 2026, but that's typical pre-construction delays for further design, engineering and permits; nothing more.

[SignBridge]

That Interchange 13 between the Turnpike and the Goethals Bridge approach was built around 1970. The original interchange was a block north of the Bridge and coming off the Bridge you exited onto the local street and drove a block north to the Turnpike entrance.

I think the NJTA did the best they could in designing the interchange with the limited space available. And yes, it can be a little tricky to move into the correct lanes. But I don't know what could be done to improve it now again given space constraints. 

[1995hoo]

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, I believe.

I think that project is being held up for the time being due to opposition.
In any case, I feel that is a grossly out of line priority.
Fixing those substandard exits should have been 30 years ago.

There's very little opposition. They'll always get some people against it because they want trains, or someone doesn't want the widening in their backyard, but that's not stopping or delaying the project.  I believe actual construction is pushed back to 2026, but that's typical pre-construction delays for further design, engineering and permits; nothing more.

Just noting that the quotation attributed to me in the above was actually a comment sprjus4 made. I have no idea what construction projects are or are not planned in Jersey, much less when.

I really think NJ is not prioritizing improvement correctly.

- Having the ability to switch between Car and Car/Truck is great, but before expanding to 6 lanes at the southernmost point, I feel these should be done:
1.  MAKE the exits/entrances complaint with the Interstate Standards!  I cannot believe most exits still have the arcane original design, and that this is not the most important project!  The other day I was entering the NJTP to go SB from the Goethals Bridge, my god it was so difficult to get in the correct lane.  This is hideous.

Frankly, all the others are well below that in my view, but would be:
1. Direct connection to the AC expressway.
2. The entire segment of 95E/95W, both sections should have 6 lanes in all areas.
3.  From Exit 6 to exit 4, it should be 8 lanes.
4.  Exit 4 to 3 6 lanes.

I'll add a project you missed, Exit 1 to Exit 4 widening to 6 lanes 

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, I believe.

[jeffandnicole]

My bad.

[bluecountry]

That Interchange 13 between the Turnpike and the Goethals Bridge approach was built around 1970. The original interchange was a block north of the Bridge and coming off the Bridge you exited onto the local street and drove a block north to the Turnpike entrance.

I think the NJTA did the best they could in designing the interchange with the limited space available. And yes, it can be a little tricky to move into the correct lanes. But I don't know what could be done to improve it now again given space constraints. 

Come on, there is plenty of room for improvement and this is far from the only substandard exits.