Traffic Update At Jersey Shore: Quiet Start To A Quiet Weekend?

Toms River NJ

20 August, 2021

4:26 PM

Description

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — After lots of weekends full of sunshine and heavy traffic at the Jersey Shore, we could be looking at a slower traffic weekend as well. Traffic on the Garden State Parkway Friday afternoon southbound was lighter than it has been for several weeks. The state Department of Transportation website 511nj.org was showing only a mild slowdown in the area of the Toms River tolls. The trip from the Raritan River bridge south to exit 63 for Long Beach Island was taking just a smidge more than an hour as of 4 p.m.; last week the trip was well over 90 minutes by 4 p.m. Traffic eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway was lighter than usual as well Friday afternoon, according to the site. The Accuweather forecast for Toms River says temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s on Saturday with a couple of showers and thunderstorms possible. Sunday's temperatures are forecast to reach 80 degrees, and thunderstorms are possible then as well. However, meteorologists are keeping an eye on the path of Tropical Storm Henri, and warning of an increased rip current risk at the beaches. Depending on the path of the storm, there could be additional rain as a result. Because the track is unclear, that could have a significant effect on how many people come to the Shore this weekend and when. Those heading to the southern tip of New Jersey will encounter heavier traffic as the Barefoot Country Music Festival continues through the weekend in Wildwood. Local roads were seeing heavier traffic during the Friday commute, and expect to see heavy traffic in the mornings on Routes 36, 35 and Interstate 195 as people try to take advantage of the beach early in the day. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the shore. Need information on beach badges? Check out Patch's 2021 Jersey Shore Beach Guide: What To Know. Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email [email protected]