⚠ A dump truck with its bed in the up position brought down 4 utility poles and lines over Route 3

⚠ Lines that carry electricity, internet and phone service are all affected

⚠ Repairs will likely last into the evening commute


SECAUCUS — Repairs to equipment and powerlines damaged by a dump truck on Route 3 at the start of the Wednesday morning commute will continue all day into the evening drive.

PSE&G spokeswoman Rebecca Mazzarella said 101.5 the dump truck's bed was in the up position as it passed under the lines near the New Jersey Turnpike eastern spur around 6:30 a.m.

The main highway was closed after extensive damage to four utility poles carrying electric, internet and phone lines.

Fallen powerline across Route 3 in Secaucus
Fallen powerline across Route 3 in Secaucus 2/1/23 (ABC 7 Eyewitness News via YouTube)
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The challenge of restoration

Mazzarella said the challenge of restoration is coordinating with other utilities that also need to make repairs to their equipment.

Nearly 600 PSE&G customers were still without power as of 11:15 a.m. in Secaucus and North Bergen. The power supply for many was rerouted by 11:45 a.m.

The DOT also closed the ramp from Route 495 westbound to Route 3 westbound and the ramps from Route 1&9 to Route 3 westbound.

Mazzarella said State Police will make the final determination as to when it's safe to reopen the highway.

Delays on Route 3
Delays on Route 3 eastbound (NJ DOT)
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PSE&G crews work to de-energize powerlines along Route 3 in Secaucus
PSE&G crews work to de-energize powerlines along Route 3 in Secaucus (PSE&G)
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Alternatives to get around the closure

NJ Transit said bus service that uses Route 3 could be delayed by up to 45 minutes. NJ Transit bus tickets and passes are being cross-honored on NJ Transit's Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Montclair-Boonton lines.

DOT suggested these alternative routes:

Route 3 eastbound

• Take Route 21 northbound and follow signs for Route 46 eastbound; or

• Continue on straight on Route 20 northbound to I-80 eastbound
Or

• Take Route 21 southbound to I-280 eastbound
Or

• Take Route 17 northbound to Route 46 eastbound or I-80 eastbound
Detour

• Cross the Hackensack River and take the Meadowlands Parkway exit

• Turn left onto Meadowlands Parkway

• Stay right to take the ramp to Secaucus Road/CR 678

• Follow Secaucus Road/CR 678 to Route 1&9 northbound or southbound

Route 495 westbound to Route 3 westbound detour

• Motorists on Route 495 westbound will be directed to take the exit for Route 1&9 northbound, just past the Kennedy Boulevard overpass

• Take Route 1&9 to Route 46 westbound

Route 1&9 northbound to Route 3 westbound detour

• Motorists on Route 1&9 northbound will be directed to continue on Route 1&9 northbound

• Take Route 94/Grand Avenue or Broad Avenue to Route 46 westbound

Route 1&9 southbound to Route 3 westbound detour

• Motorists on Route 1&9 southbound will be directed to continue on Route 1&9 southbound to Route
7 westbound

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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