Turnpike Authority to Present Proposed Changes for Parkway Exit

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority will present information about possible changes to the Garden State Parkway Interchange 163 late this afternoon at the Paramus Life Safety Complex on Carlough Drive (behind the Department of Public Works and Rescue Squad) from 4 to 7pm.

Exit 163 connects the Parkway to Route 17 via left-side exits from both the northbound and southbound lanes. According to the Turnpike Authority, vehicles exiting onto Rt. 17 will often back up on the left lanes of the Parkway resulting in heavy traffic.

The state agency has proposed several improvements to the exit including realigning the Parkway into the existing median and relocating the exits to the right-side of the road. The Turnpike Authority expects the new alignment to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations in the area.

"Many people have inquired and some have even appeared before the Mayor and Council with questions about the proposed improvements," wrote Mayor Richard LaBarbiera on his Facebook page. "Now is the time to ask your questions and raise any concerns."

According to LaBarbiera, the Transit Authorities plans include replacing the bridge that spans over Rt. 17 as well as constructing eight new overpasses. The estimated $80 million project could take up to a year and a half to complete and impact at least one holiday season in the borough.

"This is one of two remaning left turn exits on the NJ Turnpike or Garden State Parkway in the entire state," LaBarbiera said. "I anticipate the impact would be similar to what you see in Nutley or Bloomfield where they are redoing several overpasses. I would suggest everyone attend and make their comments and concerns known."

To proceed with any improvements, the Authority needs approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Bergen Soil Conservation District following the results of an environmental enalysis and Environmental Impact Statement.

Input offered by members of the public at the information meeting will be incorporated into that document.

The information center will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Life Safety Complex on Carlough Drive (located behind the Department of Public Works and Rescue Squad).

Representatives from the Authority will explain the proposed improvements to individuals or small groups. Residents are invited to drop by any time during the event to look at the displays and ask questions.

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