The Record and Star-Ledger are reporting on documents showing a top aide to Gov. Christie had "advance knowledge" of the September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge-- an incident that has triggered political controversy and legislative investigations.

Stories posted on NorthJersey.com and NJ.com from the two papers Wednesday, quote an Aug. 13 email message from Bridget Anne Kelly, the governor's deputy chief of staff, to David Wildstein, the Port Authority official who ordered the lane closures. The email reads: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee."

Wildstein later resigned, amid the political flap that erupted after the traffic-snarling lane closings. He is among the figures subpoenaed to testify on the matter before the Assembly Transportation committee chaired by Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex).

Vehicles slow for tolls before crossing the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee
Vehicles slow for tolls before crossing the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee (John Moore/Getty Images)
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Gov. Christie has repeatedly said he personally had nothing to do with the unannounced lane closures. The governor has also characterized continued discussion and investigation of the controversy as politically-motivated. He was asked about it during his appearance on Townsquare Media's "Ask the Governor" show Dec. 23.

“I’ve asked my staff to give me a full briefing,” Christie said during the show. “They’ve told me everything that we know. None of it makes sense; it’s all about politics, none of it makes sense.”

Listen to Governor Christie's comments about "Bridgegate"

Critics of the governor have suggested the lane closures may have been designed to punish the mayor of Fort Lee for failing to support Christie's successful bid for re-election.

 

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