Memorial Day weekend is here, folks! Time to kick back, relax, and deal with some serious traffic jams in New York City. According to AAA, if you’re planning to make the trek from the Jersey Shore to NYC via the Garden State Parkway this Monday, be prepared for a hefty 2 hours and 24 minutes in the car — that’s a whopping 92% longer than last year. Yikes!
Who would have thought that during this peak travel time, a record-breaking 45.1 million people would be hitting the road, traveling 50 miles or more from home? Crazy, right? And let’s face it, most of these folks will be cruising in their cars, but don’t forget about the chaos that will be brewing at the NYC area’s airports, trains, and subways. Brace yourself for some serious congestion, especially if you’re flying through the disaster zone known as Newark Liberty International Airport.
Sam Schwartz, a transportation engineer and former NYC Traffic Commissioner, is calling it like he sees it: this Memorial Day is shaping up to be one for the books. With the gloomy weather we’ve been having, it seems like everyone is itching to extend their weekend getaway. So, if you’re hitting the road, Schwartz suggests getting an early start. He’s seen the roads filling up since Thursday, so don’t be the one stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. And remember, the mornings are your best bet for a smoother ride. Gas prices may be lower this year, but don’t be fooled — those interstate gas stations will still gouge your wallet.
On the road, expect the Verrazano Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Cross Bronx Expressway, and George Washington Bridge to be the hotspots for traffic nightmares. Schwartz is predicting a sea of brake lights and frustrated drivers. While congestion pricing has been stirring the pot in Manhattan, most travelers tend to steer clear of the city during Memorial Day weekend. So, don’t stress too much about the tolls — just focus on getting to your destination in one piece. And if you’re planning to explore the city, keep an eye out for road closures, especially around Forest Hills and College Point for those Memorial Day parades.
Airports are going to be a hot mess too, with the Port Authority expecting a whopping 2.1 million passengers to pass through JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, and New York-Stewart International airports. If you’re flying through Newark, be prepared for some delays and frustrations. The airport has been dealing with a slew of issues, from equipment failures to staffing shortages. And let’s not forget about the TSA’s new ID rules — if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant identification, you might be in for some extra scrutiny. Better safe than sorry, right? So, give yourself some extra time to navigate the chaos, especially if you’re heading through Newark.
Bus and subway services will be running on modified schedules, so plan accordingly. And don’t forget about the train services — the Long Island Rail Road’s Cannonball is ready for action, and the Metro North and East of Hudson lines will be offering extra service for the weekend. So, whether you’re hitting the road, catching a flight, or hopping on a train, buckle up and get ready for a wild Memorial Day weekend in the Big Apple. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride, folks!
