UPDATE: Gov. Christie on Turnpike Extension Reopening

The westbound New Jersey Turnpike's Newark Bay-Hudson County extension is reopened from the Holland Tunnel to the mainline Turnpike following the completion of repairs to a hole.

Heavy traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike Extension (NJ DOT)

Gov. Chris Christie noted during the "Ask the Governor" segment on NJ101.5 tonight that he does not, "at the moment," foresee problems tomorrow with the morning commute, but that he would keep local media, including this station, updated with information for commuters.

Turnpike spokesman Tom Feeney said the repairs to the hole that opened up on the ramp from the tunnel onto I-78 along the side went much faster than expected.

The jackhammering away of the concrete and steel around the hole "you could see the sky through" took less time than expected according to Feeney, who praised the "tremendous job" done by workers.

The hole was situated along the barriers that have one of the two lanes coming out of the Holland Tunnel already closed as part of a reconstruction project. It was reported by a number of drivers on Wednesday morning.

Traffic through the area remains heavy on Route 139 even after the work was complete. New Jersey Fast Traffic's Bernie Wagenblast was not hopeful for alternate routes around the closure. "Drivers who know the local streets can wend their way to where the Turnpike is open but there are lots of lights and twists and turns," Wagenblast said.

Feeney said Tuesday's cooler weather also helped provide ideal conditions for the concrete and steel to cure quickly.

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