Overnight lane closures for New York-bound traffic at the George Washington Bridge are scheduled to continue through November 2025, according to an update from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The closures will affect both the bridge and its approach lanes as crews work on maintenance and repair projects. These include removing old toll booth infrastructure, installing steel and fencing, and replacing or repairing bridge joints.
The Port Authority stated that the timing and location of overnight lane closures will shift between the upper and lower levels of the bridge due to the phased nature of the work and weather-related factors. Coordination with local stakeholders has taken place regarding these changes.
The decommissioned toll booth infrastructure at the New Jersey entry plaza follows the introduction of an all-electronic tolling system in July 2022, which uses cameras mounted on gantries over the roadway. The current construction is part of a larger $2 billion effort known as Restoring the George, which consists of 11 projects aimed at rehabilitating almost every major component of what is considered the world’s busiest vehicular bridge as it approaches its centennial.
During overnight closure periods, New York-bound vehicle lanes will remain open on whichever level is not under construction. The Port Authority advises motorists to check its planned weekly construction page for up-to-date information about dates and locations of lane closures since schedules may change due to weather conditions. Additional travel advisories will be issued if necessary.
“All New York-bound motorists, particularly truck drivers, should expect delays during these overnight closures and use caution when traveling through the area,” according to the Port Authority.
The weekly schedule for August and September includes alternating upper-level lane reductions and full lower-level closures on various nights. Specific times for each closure are provided by day of week:
- Lower-level closures: Mondays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Fridays from 9 p.m. to Saturdays at 8 a.m.
- Upper-level closures: Mondays through Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Approach ramp restrictions also apply during these hours with detours directing southbound Palisades Interstate Parkway traffic via Fletcher Avenue; car and bus drivers are advised to use Kelby Street for eastbound access on the lower level.
Further details about October and November overnight closures will be released once construction schedules are confirmed.
