Patch Jersey Shore Traffic Report Summer 2021: July 9-11

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — After a week of rainy, stormy humid weather, it appears the sunshine and sea breezes will make it a great weekend to be at the beach.

If you're heading south or east for the weekend, here's a look at when to expect the most traffic and where:

The state Department of Transportation website 511nj.org was showing increasing traffic on Route 42 and on the Atlantic City Expressway eastbound as of 2 p.m. as people begin to make the trek to Atlantic City, Ocean City and Wildwood. Traffic was still moving along at a normal pace.

Traffic on the Garden State Parkway was picking up as well, with traffic slowing slightly in the area of the Toms River Toll Plaza. The trip from the Raritan River bridge south to exit 63 for Long Beach Island was still averaging just under an hour as of 2 p.m.

Traffic on Route 35 south through Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Heights will pick up as the evening approaches.

According to the Accuweather forecast for Toms River, the heat and humidity that have been oppressive for the last few days are expected to moderate. Saturday's high temperature is predicted to be in the mid-80s and the humidity at 55 percent, down from Friday's 70 percent humidity. Sunday's forecast is for highs in the low 80s and 40 percent humidity.

There is a chance of showers Saturday and a thunderstorm possible in the afternoon Sunday.

A reminder that Saturday morning will likely see heavier traffic southbound on the Garden State Parkway and roads heading east, including Route 36 in Monmouth County to Sandy Hook, Interstate 195 for those headed to Belmar and Asbury Park, and Route 37 for the trip to Seaside Heights. Expect that traffic to be slow-moving from early in the day, and ease as people get to their destinations.

Sunday evening will likely see heavy traffic north on the Garden State Parkway and westbound on the Atlantic City Expressway, though that will be affected by when or if the thunderstorms arrive.

If you plan to take Route 35 north to exit the Seaside Heights/Lavallette area, anticipate heavy traffic. On July 5, the road was bumper-to-bumper for more than three hours, according to social media reports.

Lifeguards are on duty throughout the shore. Need information on beach badges? Check out Patch's 2021 Jersey Shore Beach Guide: What To Know.

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