N.J: Garden State Parkway Reopened, Speed Restrictions Remain Due To Wildfire
Earlier today, a 25-mile part of New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway was closed due to fog from the Bass River State Forest wildfire. As of 9:50 a.m., the parkway is fully re-opened according to officials per NJ.com.
While the parkway is fully reopened, mileposts between 48 and 52 have a reduced speed of 50 mph due to smoky conditions from the fire, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority said.
According to the New Jersey Fire Service, there are still some remaining road closures that have been impacted by the fire:
ONGOING ROAD CLOSURES
– Allen Rd is closed
– Oswego Rd is closed
– Stage Rd is closed between North Maple Avenue and Rt. 679
– Rt. 679 is closed between Rt. 563 and Leaktown Rd
The Batona Trail is still closed in Bass River State Forest.
RELATED: New Jersey Wildfire Spreads To Over 3K Acres In State Forest
The latest update on the wildfire remains at 5,000 acres and 50% contained as of 8:15 a.m. Friday.
Because of the wildfire, many New Jersey towns and cities’ air quality has been affected. An air quality alert was issued Thursday (June 1) that is still in effect today (June 2).
Air pollution concentrations put “sensitive people” at risk. That group includes: children, older senior citizens, or any people suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases, the state Department of Environmental Protection and National Weather Service said.
The sensitive groups “should avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon and early evening hours,” the alerts say. “Light variable winds, hot temperatures, and mostly sunny skies will all contribute to elevated ozone concentrations throughout the state. Fine particle concentrations will remain in the moderate category statewide.”
This is not the first time in New Jersey this year that a wildfire impacted a highway. Back in April, a large wildfire began that was burning off Route 539 in Manchester Township that forced a portion of the highway to be closed, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, per NJ.com. The highway was closed between Route 70 and Long Swamp Road.
