Travelers using facilities operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey between February 13 and 19 are advised to plan ahead due to scheduled lane closures, service changes, and ongoing construction projects. The agency recommends allowing for additional travel time during this period.
At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), motorists and users of for-hire vehicle services should expect delays or detours as a result of the $19 billion redevelopment project aimed at upgrading terminals and amenities. To minimize congestion, travelers are encouraged to use mass transit options such as AirTrain JFK, MTA subway or buses, or the Long Island Rail Road, which provides regular service from Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station to Jamaica station with connections to AirTrain JFK.
The Port Authority also urges motorists heading to JFK to use the free drop-off, pickup, and waiting lot at AirTrain JFK’s Lefferts Blvd station. From there, passengers can connect via a free eight-minute AirTrain ride to airport terminals.
Beginning Tuesday, February 17, PATH riders may experience crowded trains at Hoboken and other stations during weekday peak hours due to NJ TRANSIT rail customers being diverted. NJ TRANSIT has recommended that its weekday rail customers work remotely “to the greatest extent possible during this time period.” For more information about these service adjustments visit NJ TRANSIT’s website.
Overnight maintenance will close PATH’s 9 St and 23 St stations from 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m.; nearby alternatives include Christopher St and 33 St stations. At the World Trade Center PATH station overnight access is limited; only entrances at Fulton Street or Vesey Street via North Concourse in the 2 World Trade Center lobby remain open between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
For airport security screening nationwide, TSA now requires state-issued identification compliant with REAL ID standards at checkpoints. Alternative forms of ID are accepted as listed on the TSA website. A new ConfirmID identity verification process is available for travelers without compliant identification for $45; it takes an average of 10-15 minutes but could take longer.
Travelers using Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport or JFK are strongly advised to pre-book parking if arriving by private car; those who do not pre-book may pay higher rates and risk not finding a spot.
At JFK:
– Construction may cause delays for drivers accessing terminals.
– Pickups for app-based ride services at Terminal 5 have moved to Howard Beach Ride App & Car Services Lot.
– The taxi stand at Terminal 5 is now located in Yellow Parking Garage.
– Parking on level 1 of Yellow Parking Lot is reserved for individuals with special needs.
– At Terminal 7, arrivals have moved to Orange Garage (closed for parking), taxi stands have relocated within departures level due to height restrictions, buses/shuttles are redirected accordingly, and ride app pickups occur at Howard Beach Ride App & Car Services Lot.
At LaGuardia Airport:
– The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus remains fare-free year-round as part of efforts encouraging public transit use.
At Newark Liberty International Airport:
– All shuttles serving off-airport hotels/rental cars now depart from P3 station instead of P4 due to new AirTrain construction.
– On weekdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., AirTrain service between Airport Train Station is suspended; shuttle buses provide alternative transportation during these times.
Multiple lane closures are planned:
– George Washington Bridge will see ramp closures from Palisades Interstate Parkway as well as various eastbound/westbound lane reductions between February 13–20.
– Holland Tunnel eastbound lanes will be closed overnight February 17–19; westbound lanes also face nightly closure periods.
– Lincoln Tunnel center tube will close overnight on select dates while south/north tubes remain operational for traffic in each direction.
– Outerbridge Crossing westbound right lane closes overnight February 17–19.
The Port Authority funds its operations mainly through self-generated revenues and credit rather than relying on taxpayer funding (https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority). It manages major regional infrastructure including airports such as JFK, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport; bridges like George Washington Bridge; tunnels including Holland Tunnel and Lincoln Tunnel; port facilities; as well as the PATH rail system (https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority). Its mission includes facilitating efficient movement across air, land, rail and sea while investing in infrastructure projects that support economic growth throughout its approximately 1,500-square-mile port district covering parts of both New York and New Jersey (https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority).
