Officials: So Far, Impact From Pulaski Skyway Closure Has Been Minimal
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- It's been over a month since two northbound lanes on the Pulaski Skyway closed for a two-year renovation project and officials say so far, the impact from the closure has been minimal.
New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman Steve Shapiro said that commuters have caught on to the idea of using mass transit and changing up their travel plans.
EXTRA: Navigating The Pulaski Skyway Shutdown
"The traffic delays and congestion that we all feared fortunately didn't come to pass," he told WCBS 880's Monica Miller. "We've noticed a shift in drivers leaving earlier for work, so we're seeing some greater volumes in the 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. hours."
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said it's been so far, so good when it comes to rerouting traffic through his streets.
"The impact hasn't been so dramatic," he said.
About 74,000 vehicles use the Pulaski Skyway between Newark and Jersey City daily. Much of that traffic is now being rerouted through Jersey City.
But Fulop is concerned about local businesses who are taking a hit because of the construction.
"They're trying to work with the state and the city to figure out ways to minimize the impact there and they're looking for some sort of compensation in order to help them," he said.
The northbound lanes were closed in April to repair the 82-year-old span as part of a two-year, $1 billion renovation project.
Mass transit options include a new park-and-ride bus near Newark airport and new ferry service from Monmouth County during the two-year closure.
Extra trains and additional capacity are also being offered by NJ TRANSIT and PATH during the morning commute.
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