Patch Jersey Shore Traffic Report Summer 2021: June 18-20

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — School's out (or almost out). Hot weather is in the weekend forecast. And summer officially arrives Monday.

What's that all mean? We're in for a lot of traffic this weekend at the Jersey Shore.

If you're heading south from North Jersey or New York, or east from the Philadelphia area, here's what to expect.

Traffic should start picking up on the Garden State Parkway southbound as early as 3 p.m. Friday and get progressively heavier as the afternoon turns into early evening. Anticipate delays as the traffic volume builds from the Raritan River bridge south to exit 63 for Long Beach Island.

Coming from the west, Interstate 195, the Atlantic City Expressway and Route 70 should see increasing traffic in the early afternoon Friday as well.

Saturday and Sunday are when the traffic likely will become a significant challenge. Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s on both days, meaning day trips to the beach will be on the schedule for lots of folks. The Accuweather forecast also predicts a minimal chance of rain all weekend.

In addition to the major state highways, Route 18 from Middlesex County to southeastern Monmouth County, Route 35 south through Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Heights, and Route 72 east to Long Beach Island also will see heavy traffic all weekend. Be sure to pack your patience along with your sunscreen.

Most towns at the Shore will have lifeguards seven days a week beginning Saturday, and the most popular spots — Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park — fill up early in the morning. However, Island Beach usually reopens to beach visitors later in the day, as the early arrivals head out for other activities. Both parks make announcements on social media when they are full and when they reopen.

Looking for information on beach badges? Check out Patch's 2021 Jersey Shore Beach Guide Amid COVID: What To Know.

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