New Jersey drivers caught a break on the first weekday commute of the two-year Pulaski Bridge shutdown, as the school holiday took thousands of vehicles off the roads.
Spring break removed at least 200 school buses from the roads, as well as the cars of 2,200 teachers, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Officials described Monday as a “test run” for next Tuesday, when the break ends and traffic is expected to be much heavier on alternatives to the Manhattan-bound Pulaski lanes.
The DOT is replacing part of the bridge between Newark and Jersey City in a $1 billion project that is expected to displace 40,000 cars per day.
“I anticipate it’s going to be absolutely horrendous,” said Keita Young, 44, of Jersey City. “The streets are going to be jammed with cars trying to get to the Holland Tunnel. I think next week, the shock’s going to hit.”