Is everyone in Hoboken getting ready for the Pulaski Skyway shutdown? It’s new target date is April 12. If you use the Skyway for your commute to or from work, it’s time to search for a new route.
Here’s a link to a video released by the state Department of Transportation about the shutdown. The video explains the reasons for the shutdown, and explores options for alternatives. It’s a clever production with interesting graphics.
Unless you use this daily for your commute, the inconvenience from this shut down should be manageable. On the extreme end, I have a few clients that work in Essex and Morris Counties that decided to move out of the Hoboken and Jersey City area as they rely on the Pulaski daily however I think for most of us, it’s going to be a problem only when going to Newark Airport, IKEA, Jersey Gardens or when heading to and from the Shore this summer.
The DOT is trying to ease the crunch that will be caused by the shutdown in a variety of ways. Besides alternative routes, they make suggestions about various forms of public transportation, as well as car/van pooling. They’re even exploring the possibility of some businesses allowing flex-time for employees so they can commute in off-rush hours.
Trains and buses will add services that will allow people who usually drive to use these means to get to work. It looks like the most of the affected communities are committed to try to make it as easy as possible on the habitual rush-hour users of the Skyway. It is encouraging to see such cooperation among so many different entities.
The Department of Transportation is working with Transportation Management Associations to reach out to larger companies, and help employees acclimate themselves to the new routines they may have to adopt. They’re even encouraging trial runs over the new routes.
All of this cooperation is surely going to help ease any problems created by the shutdown of the Pulaski Skyway, so Hoboken keep your options for traveling around this open and allow for extra time when driving in the area.
Let me know your thoughts on how this will affect you and the area in general.
Drive safe!
Eddie