The first workday of the Pulaski Skyway closure went well on Monday morning.

Jim Gearhart talks to NJ DOT Commissioner Jim Simpson

Truck Route 1 and 9 at Communipaw Ave (Route 440) in Jersey City
Truck Route 1 and 9 at Communipaw Ave (Route 440) in Jersey City (NJ DOT)
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New Jersey Fast Traffic's Bob Williams says that the New Jersey Department of Transportation picked a good week to begin the closure of the 82-year-old bridge's northbound lanes. "A lot of schools are off for spring break, Passover and Easter so there will be less traffic. We probably won't see the full effect of the closure until next Monday."

Truck Route 1 and 9 picked up a bit of extra traffic according to Williams, who says the least congested route was the New Jersey Turnpike extension with a new third lane created from the shoulder taking traffic right to the Holland Tunnel. The Lincoln Tunnel appeared to pick up some extra volume.

NJ DOT Commissioner Jim Simpson, speaking with Jim Gearhart from the DOT's command center in Jersey City described having a helicopter overhead taking photos so they can get "real time data to see where the traffic goes" as a result of the closure with many new traffic camera in place. We're trying to make this as scientific as we can." Once his staff sees what new patterns and trouble spots develop "we'll adjust accordingly as time goes on."

New Jersey Fast Traffic's Bernie Wagenblast, says the first real test could come on Tuesday. "Tomorrow could be a challenge with rain forecast," predicts Wagenblasst, who attended special pre-closure meetings with Williams.

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