Patch Jersey Shore Traffic Report Summer 2021: June 25-27

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Traffic is snarled on the Garden State Parkway as people head home after the work week and tourists head to the Jersey Shore for the weekend.

A pair of crashes — one the southbound side near Exit 82 in Toms River, and the other on the entrance ramp at 81 northbound — have slowed traffic to a crawl through the area, according to the state Department of Transportation website 511nj.org.

There was a backup of more than 6 miles as a result of the Exit 82 crash, which is slowing travel times to points south as a result. The trip from the Raritan River bridge south to exit 63 for Long Beach Island was taking nearly 2 hours as of 5:30 p.m.

The forecast for sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s makes for a perfect beach weekend, and that could bring a steady stream of visitors to the shore from both northern and western points.

According to the Accuweather forecast for Toms River, Friday's sunshine is expected to continue through Sunday, with a few passing clouds and a 25 percent chance of a shower on Saturday, and less than 15 percent chance of rain on Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to rise all weekend, with highs near 90 on Sunday, and increasing humidity as well.

Friday's traffic was picking up earlier on the southbound Garden State Parkway and will continue to be heavy through the evening. Here's a few things to remember about traffic at the Jersey Shore.

If you're headed down to the Shore to take in the sunshine, expect that Friday evening's commute will be heavier than usual southbound on the Garden State Parkway, and eastbound on Interstate 195 and the Atlantic City Expressway.

Saturday morning will likely see heavier traffic on those roads as well, with daytrippers heading to the boardwalks and beach areas. Local roads, including Route 36 in Eatontown/Long Branch, Route 37 in Toms River, and Route 72 to Long Beach Island will see heavy traffic early in the day that should ease as people get to their destinations.

Some beaches, such as Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park, fill to capacity early. If that's your planned destination, you'll need to head there very early. Island Beach State Park typically reopens later in the morning or early afternoon as some beachgoers leave after getting their fill of sunshine.

With schools out in most of the state, those returning home Sunday may wait until later, which could make for long trips home Sunday evening.

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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