Garden State Parkway

MUTCD D6-4

2020-09-02 15 28 18 View south along New Jersey State Route 47 (Wildwood Boulevard) at the exit for the Garden State Parkway NORTH in Middle Township, Cape May County, New Jersey

2020-07-16 15 07 45 View south along New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) at Exit 0 (New Jersey State Route 109 NORTH TO U.S. Route 9, North Cape May) in Lower Township, Cape May County, New Jersey

2021-08-31 11 15 26 View south along New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) from the pedestrian overpass between Exit 9 and Exit 10 in Middle Township, Cape May County, New Jersey

2020-07-11 13 19 03 View north along New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) at Exit 38B (Atlantic City Expressway WEST, Camden) in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey

2020-07-11 13 33 56 View north along U.S. Route 9 and New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) at Exit 50 (U.S. Route 9 NORTH, New Gretna, Tuckerton) in Bass River Township, Burlington County, New Jersey

Garden State Parkway is a major highway in the U.S. state of New Jersey, stretching from the New York state line at Montvale in the north to Cape May at the southern tip of the state. It is one of the busiest toll roads in the United States and serves as a key artery for local and regional traffic. The parkway is known for its scenic beauty, passing through the varied landscapes of New Jersey, including the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a unique coastal ecosystem.

History

The Garden State Parkway was conceived in the late 1940s to address the growing automobile traffic in New Jersey. Construction began in the 1950s, with the initial sections opening to the public in 1954. The parkway was completed in stages, with the final section to Cape May opening in the late 1950s. It was designed to provide a direct and efficient route for motorists traveling the length of New Jersey, while also offering access to the state's beaches, parks, and recreational areas.

Route Description

The Garden State Parkway extends for approximately 172 miles (277 km), making it one of the longest toll roads in the United States. It starts at the New York-New Jersey border and heads south, crossing major rivers, including the Raritan River and the Mullica River, and passing through several counties, including Bergen County, Essex County, Union County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Atlantic County, and Cape May County.

The parkway features numerous exits that provide access to key New Jersey destinations, such as Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It also includes several service areas named after notable New Jersey figures, offering food, fuel, and rest facilities to travelers.

Tolls

The Garden State Parkway utilizes a system of fixed toll plazas and electronic toll collection via E-ZPass. Tolls are based on the distance traveled, with rates varying for cars and larger vehicles. The revenue generated from tolls is used for the maintenance and operation of the parkway, as well as for improvements and expansions.

Safety and Regulations

The Garden State Parkway is maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which implements various safety measures and regulations to ensure the well-being of motorists. These include speed limits, which vary along the parkway, and restrictions on commercial vehicles in certain sections. The parkway also features a dedicated police force, the New Jersey State Police Troop E, which patrols the highway to enforce traffic laws and assist motorists.

Impact

The Garden State Parkway has had a significant impact on New Jersey's development and economy. It has facilitated mobility and access across the state, contributing to the growth of tourism, especially to the Jersey Shore and other recreational areas. However, it has also faced criticism for environmental impacts, including concerns about pollution and habitat disruption in sensitive areas like the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

Future Developments

Plans for the future of the Garden State Parkway include ongoing maintenance, upgrades to toll collection systems, and improvements to service areas and interchanges to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. There is also a focus on enhancing safety measures and reducing the environmental footprint of the parkway.