Interstate 95 in New Jersey
Interstate 95 (I-95) is a critical artery of the United States Interstate Highway System, stretching from Miami, Florida, to the Canadian border in Maine. In New Jersey, I-95 serves as a primary corridor for commerce and travel, running for a total of 97.76 miles. The route is primarily composed of the New Jersey Turnpike mainline, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Turnpike Extension, and the I-95 Extension leading to the George Washington Bridge.
The highway is managed by two primary entities: the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), which maintains the majority of the route, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), which manages the George Washington Bridge and its immediate approach.
Key Facts
- Total Length: 97.76 miles (157.33 km) in New Jersey.
- Main Section: 77.96 miles (125.46 km).
- Western Spur: 11.03 miles (17.75 km), referred to by NJDOT as Route 95W.
- Major Connection: Links the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the George Washington Bridge.
- Recent Milestone: The "gap" in I-95 was officially closed on September 22, 2018.
Route Breakdown
Pearl Harbor Memorial Turnpike Extension
I-95 enters New Jersey from Pennsylvania via the Delaware River–Turnpike Toll Bridge in Burlington Township. This six-lane segment, known as the Pearl Harbor Memorial Turnpike Extension, travels east through Florence Township. It features an interchange with US 130 and a toll barrier that integrates drivers into the turnpike's ticket system before merging with the New Jersey Turnpike mainline at exit 6 in Mansfield Township.
New Jersey Turnpike Mainline
Upon joining the mainline, the highway expands to 12 lanes, utilizing a split design where six inner lanes are reserved for cars and six outer lanes accommodate cars, trucks, and buses. The route progresses north through several key regions:
- Mercer and Middlesex Counties: Major interchanges include I-195 in Robbinsville Township and Route 18 in East Brunswick.
- Industrial Hubs: The route passes through Edison (I-287/Route 440) and Woodbridge Township (Garden State Parkway).
- Essex County: I-95 runs along the east side of Newark Liberty International Airport and intersects I-78 in Newark.
The Western Spur and George Washington Bridge
In Newark, the turnpike splits into the Eastern and Western Spurs. The Western Spur (Route 95W) runs approximately 11 miles through the New Jersey Meadowlands to Ridgefield Park.
The final leg of the journey sees US 1/9 and US 46 join I-95 in Fort Lee. The highway then utilizes four local and four express lanes in each direction to cross the Hudson River via the George Washington Bridge, entering New York City.
The History of the "Missing Link"
For decades, I-95 was discontinuous within New Jersey. Until 2018, northbound travelers from Pennsylvania were forced to exit I-95 and use I-295 and I-195 to reconnect with the New Jersey Turnpike. This gap was the result of the 1983 cancellation of the Somerset Freeway, a proposed highway that would have connected Hopewell Township to Piscataway.
To resolve this, the Pennsylvania Turnpike/Interstate 95 Interchange Project was launched. This involved constructing a new interchange in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, and rerouting I-95 to use the Pennsylvania Turnpike to reach the Delaware River–Turnpike Toll Bridge. On September 22, 2018, the final ramps opened, creating a seamless freeway connection from Philadelphia to New York City.
Route Summary Table
| Section | Length | Key Termini/Intersections | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Section | 77.96 mi | PA State Line to NY State Line | NJTA / PANYNJ |
| Western Spur | 11.03 mi | Newark to Ridgefield Park | NJTA |
| Pearl Harbor Extension | Included in Main | Delaware River to Exit 6 | NJTA |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Western Spur of I-95?
The Western Spur is an 11.03-mile segment of the New Jersey Turnpike in the northeastern part of the state. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) refers to this section as Route 95W.
Why was there a gap in I-95 for so long?
The gap existed because the Somerset Freeway, which was intended to connect the Trenton area to the New Jersey Turnpike, was cancelled in 1983.
When was the I-95 gap finally closed?
The gap was officially closed on September 22, 2018, when the ramps connecting I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to traffic.
Who maintains the George Washington Bridge approach?
While the New Jersey Turnpike Authority maintains most of I-95 in the state, the George Washington Bridge and its approach are maintained by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).
How does the lane system work on the New Jersey Turnpike mainline?
The mainline features 12 lanes: six inner lanes exclusively for passenger cars and six outer lanes for cars, trucks, and buses.