**Winter Weather Congestion Alert**

NJDOT advising motorists to plan ahead for upcoming storm

Incline Package will be deployed before Tuesday morning commute

(Trenton) -New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today issued a Winter Weather Congestion Alert and are implementing the Department’s Business Day Protocol for Tuesday, February 12, based on the forecast for expected snow and freezing rain this afternoon into tomorrow, which may result in difficult driving conditions.

The Department is advising motorists to plan ahead. Snow is expected this afternoon in South Jersey and along the Shore that could affect today’s evening commute in those areas. Overnight and through Tuesday, snow is expected statewide, turning to freezing rain in parts of the state, which may cause difficult driving conditions.
NJDOT will be deploying the necessary resources in advance of the storm and is coordinating its response with NJ Transit and the toll road authorities to ensure the best response for New Jerseyans.

Early Tuesday morning, NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

The Department and our transportation and law enforcement partners are recommending motorists:

• Plan extra travel time for tonight’s commute in South Jersey and along the Shore
• Consider Telecommuting tomorrow, if possible
• Avoid Unnecessary Travel during the storm
• If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFFsomewhere safe and wait it out
• Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks.  If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
• Be patient and use caution