Editing New Jersey Turnpike (section)

==History==
[[File:New Jersey Turnpike Construction 1951 LOC.jpg|thumb|left|Hackensack Run bridge under construction in 1951]]

=== Precursors and planning ===
{{Infobox road small
|state=NJ
|type=NJ 1926
|county=
|route=100
|location= [[New Brunswick, New Jersey|New Brunswick]]–[[Fort Lee, New Jersey|Fort Lee]]
|length_mi=
|length_round=
|length_ref=
|formed=1938
|deleted=1953
}}
{{Infobox road small
|state=NJ
|type=NJ 1926
|county=
|route=300
|location= [[Deepwater, New Jersey|Deepwater]]–[[New Brunswick, New Jersey|New Brunswick]]
|length_mi=
|length_round=
|length_ref=
|formed=1938
|deleted=1953
}}
Route&nbsp;100 and Route&nbsp;300 were two state highways proposed in the 1930s by the [[New Jersey State Highway Department]] as precursors to the New Jersey Turnpike.

The road that is now the New Jersey Turnpike was first planned by the State Highway Department as two freeways in 1938. Route&nbsp;100 was the route from New Brunswick to the George Washington Bridge, plus a spur to the [[Holland Tunnel]], now the Newark Bay Extension of the Turnpike. Route&nbsp;300 was the southern part of the turnpike from the Delaware Memorial Bridge to New Brunswick. However, the State Highway Department did not have the funds to complete the two freeways, and very little of the road was built under its auspices.<ref name=njdot100>{{cite web |url = http://www.state.nj.us/state/darm/links/images/str00001/ModelsRt100.jpg |title = Model of Route&nbsp;100 |publisher = New Jersey Department of Transportation |access-date = September 23, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=njdot1002>{{cite web |url = http://www.state.nj.us/state/darm/links/images/str00001/RoutesRt100undated.jpg |title = Route&nbsp;100 under construction |publisher = New Jersey Department of Transportation |access-date = September 22, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Instead, in 1948, the NJTA was created to build the road, and the two freeways were built as a single toll road.

[[New Jersey Route S100|Route&nbsp;S100]] was a proposed spur of Route&nbsp;100 in Elizabeth. It was never built, although [[New Jersey Route 81|Route&nbsp;81]] follows a similar alignment.

[[File:America's Highways 1776–1976 - page 167.jpg|thumb|right|Construction of the New Jersey Turnpike]]
According to a letter to the editor written by Kathleen Troast Pitney, the daughter of [[Paul L. Troast]], the first chairman of the NJTA:
{{blockquote|Governor Driscoll appointed three men to the turnpike authority in the late 1940s—Maxwell Lester, George Smith and Paul Troast, my father, as chairman. They had no enabling legislation and no funding. They were able to open more than two-thirds of the road in 11 months, completing the whole (project) in less than two years ... When the commissioners broached the subject of landscaping the road ... the governor told them he wanted a road to take the interstate traffic ... off New Jersey's existing roads. Since 85 percent of the traffic at that time was estimated to be from out of state, why spend additional funds on landscaping?<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.nj.com/specialprojects/index.ssf?/specialprojects/turnpike/tpletters.html |title = Love/hate letters |format = Letter to the Editor |first = Kathleen |last = Troast Pitney |work = [[The Star-Ledger]] |location = Newark, New Jersey |date = November 2, 2001 |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221308/http://www.nj.com/specialprojects/index.ssf?%2Fspecialprojects%2Fturnpike%2Ftpletters.html |archive-date = March 3, 2016 }}</ref>}}

A brochure ''Interesting Facts about the New Jersey Turnpike'', dating from soon after the road's opening, says that when the turnpike's bonds are paid off, "the law provides that the turnpike be turned over to the state for inclusion in the public highway system". Due to new construction, and the expectation that the turnpike pays for policing and maintenance, this has never come to pass.

===Construction===
[[File:2021-05-26 11 13 59 View north along Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike) from the overpass for Union County Route 617 (Tremley Point Road) in Linden, Union County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) northbound in Linden]]
The project of building the turnpike had its challenges. One major problem was the construction in Elizabeth, where either 450&nbsp;homes or 32&nbsp;businesses would be destroyed, depending on the chosen route. The engineers decided to go through the residential area, since they considered it the grittiest{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} and the closest route to both Newark Airport and the [[Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal]] seaport.

When construction finally got to Newark, there was the new challenge of deciding to build either over or under the [[Pulaski Skyway]]. If construction went above the skyway, the costs would be much higher. If they went under, the costs would be lower, but the roadway would be very close to the Passaic River, making it harder for ships to pass through. The turnpike was ultimately built to pass under.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20E1FF83858107A93C2AB178AD85F468585F9 |title = City Linked to Super-Highway |last = Schwab |first = Armand Jr. |work = The New York Times |date = January 20, 1952 |page = X17 |access-date = September 25, 2010 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121001163201/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20E1FF83858107A93C2AB178AD85F468585F9 |archive-date = October 1, 2012 |url-access = subscription }}</ref><ref>[[#Hart|Hart]], pp. 173–174.{{full citation needed|date=August 2018}}</ref> As part of a 2005 [[seismic retrofit]] project, the NJTA lowered its roadway to increase vertical clearance and allow for full-width shoulders, which had been constrained by the location of the skyway supports.<ref>{{cite web |author = [[American Council of Engineering Companies]] of New Jersey |publisher = American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey |url = http://www.acecnj.org/Docs/2006%20acec%20award%20program.pdf |title = 35th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Dinner program |date = March 6, 2006 |access-date = October 27, 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090304194923/http://www.acecnj.org/Docs/2006%20acec%20award%20program.pdf |archive-date = March 4, 2009 }}</ref> Engineers replaced the bearings and lowered the bridge by {{convert|4|ft|m|spell=in}}, without shutting down traffic. The work was carried out by [[Skanska|Koch Skanska]] in 2004, under a $35&nbsp;million contract (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=35000000|start_year=2004}}}} in {{Inflation year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}). The project's engineers were from a joint venture of Dewberry Goodkind Inc. and HNTB Corp. Temporary towers supported the bridge while bearings were removed from the 150&nbsp;piers and the concrete replaced on the pier tops. The lowering process for an {{convert|800|ft|m|adj=on}} section of the bridge was done over 56&nbsp;increments, during five weeks of work.<ref name=ENR_lowering>{{cite news |last = Cho |first = Aileen |title = Busy New Jersey Span Gets New Bearings, and Shorter Too <!-- |access-date = April 26, 2013 --> |newspaper = Engineering News-Record |date = November 29, 2004 }}</ref>

[[File:2020-07-12 09 14 56 View south along Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike) at Exit 8 (New Jersey State Route 33, New Jersey State Route 133, Hightstown, Freehold) in East Windsor Township, Mercer County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|left|New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) southbound at the Route&nbsp;33/Route&nbsp;133 interchange in East Windsor Township]]
While continuing up to the [[New Jersey Meadowlands|Meadowlands]], the crossings were harder because of the fertile marsh land of silt and mud. Near the shallow mud, the mud was filled with crushed stone, and the roadway was built above the water table. In the deeper mud, caissons were sunk down to a firm stratum and filled with sand, then both the caissons and the surrounding areas were covered with blankets of sand. Gradually, the water was brought up, and drained into adjacent meadows. Then, construction of the two major bridges over the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers was completed. The bridges were built to give motorists a clear view of the New York City skyline, but with high retaining walls to create the illusion of not being on a river crossing.<ref name=anderson /> The {{convert|6955|ft|m|abbr=on}} Passaic River (Chaplain Washington) Bridge cost $13.7 million to build; the {{convert|5623|ft|m|abbr=on}} Hackensack River Bridge cost $9.5 million.

The entire {{convert|118|mi|km|adj=on}} length of the New Jersey Turnpike took 25&nbsp;months to construct, at a total cost of $255 million. The first {{convert|44|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} stretch, from exit&nbsp;1 in Carneys Point Township north to exit&nbsp;5 in Westampton Township, opened on November 5, 1951. A second {{convert|49|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} stretch from exit&nbsp;5 north to exit&nbsp;11 in Woodbridge opened on November 30, 1951, followed by a third {{convert|16|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} stretch from exit&nbsp;11 north to exit&nbsp;15E in Newark on December 20, 1951. The fourth and final {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=mid|-long|spell=in}} stretch, from exit&nbsp;15E north to exit&nbsp;18 in Ridgefield, opened on January 15, 1952, completing the turnpike.<ref name="anderson">{{cite web |url = http://www.nycroads.com/roads/nj-turnpike/ |title = New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) |first = Steve |last = Anderson |work = Eastern Roads |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110709012754/http://www.nycroads.com/roads/nj-turnpike/ |archive-date = July 9, 2011 }}{{self-published inline|certain=yes|date=August 2024}}</ref> After the turnpike was completed in 1952, the NJTA and the [[New York State Thruway Authority]] (NYSTA) proposed a {{convert|13|mi|km|adj=on}} extension of the New Jersey Turnpike that would run from its end (at US&nbsp;46 in [[Ridgefield Park, New Jersey|Ridgefield Park]] at the time) up to [[West Nyack, New York]], at [[Interstate 87 (New York)|I-87]] ([[New York State Thruway]]). The section through New Jersey was to be constructed and maintained by the NJTA, while the section in New York was to be built and maintained by the NYSTA. The purpose of this extension was to give motorists a "more direct bypass of the New York City area" to [[New England]], by using the [[Tappan Zee Bridge (1955–2017)|Tappan Zee Bridge]]. The extension was to parallel [[New York State Route&nbsp;303]] (NY&nbsp;303) and the present-day CSX [[River Subdivision (CSX Transportation)|River Subdivision]], and have limited interchanges. It was to have an interchange with the [[Palisades Interstate Parkway]] and at Interstate87 (New York State Thruway) in West Nyack. This project did not survive; by 1970, it became too expensive to buy right-of-way access, and community opposition was fierce. Therefore, the NJTA and the NYSTA canceled the project.<ref name="anderson" /> NJDOT did construct a small segment of this extension, the portion between US&nbsp;46 and I-80, as part of the I-95 Extension. This segment was later transferred to the NJTA.

===1950s to 1980s===
[[File:New Jersey Turnpike Exit 11 Tollbooth at night, 1992.jpg|thumb|Approaching the exit 11 tollbooths at night in 1992, prior to the installation of [[E-ZPass]]]]
[[File:2020-09-24 10 42 17 View south along New Jersey State Route 168 (Black Horse Pike) at the exit for the New Jersey Turnpike in Bellmawr, Camden County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|Old format of the sign which had been typical at non-freeway entrances to the turnpike; this one is at exit&nbsp;3. This sign was replaced by a generic entry sign in 2024.]]
With the turnpike completed, traffic increased beyond expectations, which prompted planning for two widenings in 1955. the first of these would widen the segment of roadway and from four lanes to an eight-lane, dual-dual setup (2-2-2-2, two express carriageways and two local carriageways in each direction) between exit&nbsp;10 and exit&nbsp;14. The second widening would add one lane in each direction from exit&nbsp;4 and exit&nbsp;10, making for a total of six lanes combined. On April 4, 1956, the widening between exit&nbsp;10 and exit&nbsp;14 was completed, also as part of this project, exit&nbsp;14 was rebuilt from a standard exit that served US&nbsp;1-9 into the {{convert|8.2|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} Newark Bay Extension, though only the stretch between exit&nbsp;14 on the mainline and exit&nbsp;14A.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nj.com/jerseyjournal150/2017/04/worlds_most_expensive_road_opened_in_nj_in_1956.html |title = 'World's most expensive road' opened in N.J. in 1956 |date = April 24, 2017 |website = nj.com |access-date = May 2, 2018 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170919235747/http://www.nj.com/jerseyjournal150/2017/04/worlds_most_expensive_road_opened_in_nj_in_1956.html |archive-date = September 19, 2017 }}</ref> On May 25 of that year, the widening between exit&nbsp;4 and exit&nbsp;10 was completed, along with this came the {{convert|6|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} Pearl Harbor Memorial extension and its interchange with the mainline.<ref name="Bridge Will Link Turnpikes Today"/>

In 1958, a part of the turnpike was designated as I-95. In addition, a short part of the southern segment was signed as I-295, and the Newark Bay Extension was signed as I-78.<ref>State of New Jersey, Laws of 1927, Chapter 319.{{full citation needed|date=July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1 = Williams |first1 = Jimmy |last2 = Williams |first2 = Sharon |name-list-style = amp |url = http://www.jimmyandsharonwilliams.com/njroads/1920s/images/1927_routes.gif |title = 1927 New Jersey Road Map |work = 1920s New Jersey Highways |access-date = October 8, 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071031111034/http://www.jimmyandsharonwilliams.com/njroads/1920s/images/1927_routes.gif |archive-date = October 31, 2007 }}</ref>

On May 15, 1962, the authority opened a new trumpet interchange at exit&nbsp;12. The ramps, which replaced the nonstandard half-diamond interchange at the location, cost $3,500,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|3500000|1962}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}) to construct, and unlike the old ramps, contained a southbound exit and northbound entrance.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-register-interchange-12-may-1/28123913/ |title = Interchange 12, May 16, 1962 |newspaper = The Daily Register |date = May 16, 1962 |page = 15 }}</ref>

On August 7, 1962, the NJTA announced a major project to replace exits&nbsp;17 and 18, in addition to expanding exits&nbsp;16's toll plaza. This work was being done in preparation for the [[1964 New York World's Fair|1964 World's Fair]]. It would involve moving the northern end of the ticket system from Ridgefield to Secaucus, as well as replacing the partially at-grade exits&nbsp;17 with a new grade separated exits&nbsp;17 in order to reduce congestion and upgrade said road to [[Interstate Highway standards]] It would also involve replacement of the exits&nbsp;16 with a new 24-lane-wide structure, and relocating exit&nbsp;18 to be at the new northern end of the ticket system near exits&nbsp;16.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Haff |first = Joseph O. |date = August 8, 1962 |title = Jersey Turnpike Starts Elimination Of 3 Interchanges |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/08/archives/jersey-turnpike-starts-elimination-of-3-interchanges.html |access-date = July 22, 2024 |work = The New York Times |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 }}</ref> Construction on the new exit&nbsp;17 began immediately. The original exit&nbsp;17 had its northbound ramps permanently closed on June 16, 1963, to allow construction of the replacement exits&nbsp;16 toll plaza to proceed.<ref>{{Cite news |date = June 20, 1963 |title = Rt.&nbsp;3 Turnpike Exit to Close |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news-rt-3-turnpike-exit-to-c/139548253/ |access-date = January 25, 2024 |work = The Herald-News |pages = 1 }}</ref> On September 19, at 3:30 p.m., the new exit&nbsp;17 was completed, it contained a wider toll booth, was fully grade separated, was located slightly father to the north, and operated on a coin drop system rather tan the ticket system like the rest of the road, with trucks, buses, and trailers charged based on their weight. It was at this point that the original exit&nbsp;18 toll plaza located in Ridgefield was demolished.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-exit-17-18-september/40960378/ |title = Exit 17-18, September 18, 1963 |work = Asbury Park Press |date = September 18, 1963 |page = 6 }}</ref> The new exit&nbsp;18, which had more collection lanes than the original and was located in Secaucus, began charging tolls on February 25, 1964, concurrent with opening of the new exit&nbsp;16 toll plaza. Another improvement made was the introduction of automatic ticket dispensers with the new exit&nbsp;18 and exit&nbsp;16, these were also later installed at exit&nbsp;14, 14A, and 14C, as well as the exit&nbsp;6 toll barrier.<ref>1964 annual report{{full citation needed|date=July 2024}}</ref> On May 29, the entrance ramps from Route&nbsp;3 were opened, completing the two-year long project.<ref>{{Cite news |date = May 29, 1964 |title = Holiday Exodus Starts; Traffic Jam on Route 3 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news-holiday-exodus-starts-t/139544910/ |access-date = January 25, 2024 |work = The Herald-News |pages = 1 }}</ref>

In 1965, construction began on a entirely new interchange with the under-construction Route&nbsp;32 between exits&nbsp;8 and 7.<ref name= "NJ 32">{{cite web |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-nj-32/26097844/ |title = NJ 32, November 5, 1966 |work = The Central New Jersey Home News |date = November 5, 1966 |page = 3 }}</ref> On February 14, 1966, this interchange, numbered as exit&nbsp;8A was opened to traffic, though only partially;<ref>{{Cite news |date = February 15, 1966 |title = Exit 8A, February 15, 1966 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-exit-8a/26228530/ |access-date = July 22, 2024 |work = The Central New Jersey Home News |pages = 19 }}</ref> the connection to Route&nbsp;32 westbound opened on November 5 at noon.<ref name= "NJ 32"/>

In November 1966, NJTA announced plans to widen the turnpike between exits&nbsp;10 and 14 from eight to twelve lanes.<ref>{{Cite news |date = November 16, 1966 |title = Program Starts To Widen Pike |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call-program-starts-to-widen/138893985/ |access-date = July 22, 2024 |work = The Morning Call |pages = 6 }}</ref> This abolished the express-local roadway system and established a new system, with the outer roadway for all vehicles and inner roadway for cars only. Other aspects of the plan included constructing a new exit&nbsp;10 in Edison Township, closeting the old exits&nbsp;10 and rebuilding exits&nbsp;11 to provide access to the Garden State parkway in Woodbridge, reverseing the trumpet at exit&nbsp;12 in Carteret, and relocating exit&nbsp;13 in Elizebeth to provide direct access to the [[Goethals Bridge (1928–2017)|Goethals Bridge]] and [[Interstate 278|I-278]] instead of Trenton Road.<ref>{{Cite news |date = November 16, 1966 |title = Program Starts To Widen Pike |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call-program-starts-to-widen/138893985/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Morning Call |pages = 6 }}</ref> On July 27, 1968, it was announced that the replacement exit&nbsp;13 would open on July 31.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post-new-exit-13-july-27-1968/19544862/ |title = New Exit&nbsp;13, July 27, 1968 |newspaper = Courier-Post |date = July 27, 1968 |page = 10 }}</ref> The interchange was opened as planned, and the old exit, which was a split interchange with Trenton Avenue, was closed permanently and slated for reverse engineering, this was completed by October.<ref>1968 annual report{{full citation needed|date=August 2024}}</ref> The new exit&nbsp;11 was completed on September 18, 1969,<ref>{{cite news |date = September 18, 1969 |title = Pike Linked To Parkway |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-news-pike-linked-to-parkway/139420001/ |access-date = January 24, 2024 |work = The Courier-News |pages = 15 |via = Newspapers.com }}</ref> at which point the original exit&nbsp;10 was closed. The new exit&nbsp;10 was opened on January 13, 1970,<ref>{{Cite news |date = January 13, 1970 |title = Edison Interchange Opens |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-edison/138894659/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Central New Jersey Home News |pages = 1 }}</ref> with new dual-dual setup opened the next day on January 14.<ref>{{Cite news |date = January 14, 1970 |title = Pike's Outer Lanes Finally Opened |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-pikes/138895054/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Central New Jersey Home News |pages = 1 }}</ref> The Western Spur, a new extension of the turnpike meant to let through traffic bypass Secaucus, was opened on September 3, 1970.<ref>{{Cite news |date = September 4, 1970 |title = Pike Opens Meadowlands Section |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-pike-op/138893525/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Central New Jersey Home News |pages = 20 }}</ref> With this, multiple changes were made to the existing roadway. It was officially named the Eastern Spur, new unnumbered interchanges connecting it with the Western Spur were built, as well as a major renumbering to make it consistent with the new spur scheme, exit&nbsp;15 was renumber exit&nbsp;15E, exit&nbsp;16 as exit&nbsp;16E, and exit&nbsp;18 as exit&nbsp;18E. They also built exit&nbsp;15W's connection with the original road, and rebuilt exit&nbsp;15E to provide access to Western Spur traffic.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} With the [[Bergen-Passaic Expressway]] being built on the north side of Ridgefield Park in 1964, this left a mile-long gap between the turnpike and expressway approaches onto the [[George Washington Bridge]]. This gap was closed on October 20, 1971, when an expanded interchange with US&nbsp;46 was opened, which connected to the Bergen-Passaic Expressway and replaced the trumpet interchange that only served US&nbsp;46.<ref>{{Cite news |date = October 20, 1971 |title = TurnpikesLink to I-80 Open Today |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jersey-journal-turnpikes-link-to-i-8/138882774/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Jersey Journal |pages = 44 }}</ref>

[[File:2024-08-12 09 58 16 View southwest towards the Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur) bridge over the Hackensack River from the summit of Laurel Hill in Secaucus, Hudson County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|left|The Hackensack River Bridge on the Eastern Spur, viewed from [[Snake Hill]]]]
The [[New Jersey Turnpike smog accident]] occurred in the town of [[Kearny, New Jersey|Kearny]], on October 23 and 24, 1973. The first collision occurred at 11:20&nbsp;p.m. EDT on the 23rd. Further accidents continued to occur until 2:45&nbsp;a.m. the next day as cars plowed into the unseen accident ahead of them. Sixty-six vehicles were involved, and nine people died as a result. Thirty-nine suffered non-fatal injuries. The primary cause of the accident was related to a fire consisting of burning garbage, aggravated by foggy conditions.<ref name="SafetyBoard1975">{{cite book |title = Highway Accident Report: Series of Multivehicle Collisions and Fires under Limited Visibility Conditions: New Jersey Turnpike, Gate 15 and U.S. Route 46, Oct. 23 and 24, 1973 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=kLRQAAAAYAAJ |access-date = April 11, 2011 |year = 1975 |publisher = [[National Transportation Safety Board]] |quote = The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this series of multivehicle collisions was the penetration of vehicles into areas of severely reduced visibility due to fog and smoke, the latter occasioned by fires adjacent to the turnpike which had not been promptly extinguished. The delay in closing the affected roadways by the New Jersey State Police contributed to the number of accidents. }}</ref> This produced an area of extremely poor visibility.

In 1971, the authority announced plans to extend the dual-dual setup from exit&nbsp;10 in Woodbridge to exit&nbsp;9 in [[East Brunswick, New Jersey|East Brunswick]].<ref>1971 annual report{{full citation needed|date=August 2024}}</ref> This project was completed northbound on November 14, 1973,<ref>{{Cite news |date = November 15, 1973 |title = 3 northbound lanes open on New Jersey Turnpike |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news-3-northbound-lanes-open/138895722/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Herald-News |pages = 5 }}</ref> and southbound on January 13, 1974,<ref>{{Cite news |date = January 13, 1974 |title = Turnpike 12-Lane Strip at E. Brunswick Opens |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-news-turnpike-12-lane-strip-a/138896083/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Sunday News |pages = 63 }}</ref> and involved a major reconstruction of exit&nbsp;9, replacing the underpass with a overpass and building a wider toll plaza to replace the existing one.<ref name="renamed_from_1973_on_20240902014729">1973 annual report{{full citation needed|date=August 2024}}</ref>

On May 30, 1974, exit&nbsp;7A was opened to traffic.<ref>1974 annual report{{full citation needed|date=July 2024}}</ref> The interchange, which had been planned for since 1973,<ref name="renamed_from_1973_on_20240902014729"/> connected to Interstate 195, was in part constructed to serve the nearby [[Six Flags Great Adventure]], which opened later that year. Additionally, in June, a widening of exit&nbsp;15E's toll plaza was completed, with an expansion of exit&nbsp;14A's following in August.<ref name="renamed_from_1973_on_20240902014729"/>

With the completion of I-78 to the Newark Bay Extension on May 27, 1977,<ref>{{Cite news |date = May 29, 1977 |title = New Access Road Opens to Airport |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-new-access-road-opens/139207293/ |access-date = January 21, 2024 |work = Asbury Park Press |pages = 2 }}</ref> the interchanges toll plaza was replaced with a wider one and ramps replaced, and none of the original 1951 configuration remained.

In 1971, the NJTA proposed building the [[Driscoll Expressway|Alfred E. Driscoll Expressway]]. It was to start at the Garden State Parkway south of exit&nbsp;80 in Dover Township (now [[Toms River, New Jersey|Toms River]]) and end at the turnpike approximately {{convert|3|mi|km|spell=in}} north of exit&nbsp;8A in [[South Brunswick, New Jersey|South Brunswick]]. As a proposed part of the turnpike system, its seven interchanges would have included toll plazas except at the northern end of the turnpike. By 1972, the proposed road met fierce opposition from [[Ocean County, New Jersey|Ocean]], [[Monmouth County, New Jersey|Monmouth]], and [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex]] counties with quality of life as the main concern. The NJTA proceeded anyway and began selling bonds. But by December 1973, Governor-elect [[Brendan Byrne]] decided to stop the project altogether. Despite this, the authority continued with its plan. It was not until February 1977 that the authority abandoned its plan to build the road.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1091EF63C5815768FDDA90A94DA405B878BF1D3 |title = Turnpike Drops Cross-State Road |first = Ronald |last = Sullivan |date = February 20, 1977 |page = 341 |work = The New York Times |access-date = March 4, 2013 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140203052239/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1091EF63C5815768FDDA90A94DA405B878BF1D3 |archive-date = February 3, 2014 |url-access = subscription }}</ref> The rights-of-way were sold in 1979, shelving the project indefinitely.<ref>{{cite news |last = Bennett |first = Don |title = Driscoll Expressway ended up the Road to Nowhere |url = http://lacey.patch.com/articles/driscoll-expressway-ended-up-the-road-to-nowhere |work = Lacey Patch |access-date = November 19, 2011 |date = January 22, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425233306/http://lacey.patch.com/articles/driscoll-expressway-ended-up-the-road-to-nowhere |archive-date = April 25, 2012 }}</ref>

In 1973, the NJTA began planning for exit&nbsp;13A. The interchange would be constructed in order to provide direct connections to the nearby [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], which had previously required taking convoluted routes via exit&nbsp;13 or 14.<ref name="renamed_from_1973_on_20240902014729"/> On June 10, 1982,this exit was opened to traffic.<ref>{{Cite news |date = June 11, 1982 |title = New turnpike interchange, highway open |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post-new-turnpike-interchange-h/148267957/ |access-date = July 22, 2024 |work = Courier-Post |pages = 17 }}</ref>

In the 1987, the authority announced a plan a to rebuild the Western Spur. If this were ever to be completed, it would have added truck lanes, In addition, a new exit&nbsp;15 W-A would be constructed, which would have served a extension of [[New Jersey Route 17|Route&nbsp;17]], and exit&nbsp;16W would have its ramps connecting to the turnpike be entirely replaced by a new ramp containing a wider toll plaza. However, this project was never carried out,<ref name="anderson"/> in part due to the cancelation of the Route&nbsp;17 Extension.

===1990s to present===
In July 1988, a project to reconstruct exit&nbsp;7 in order to accommodate an increasing number of truck traffic was announced.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Salgado |first = Robert J. |date = July 3, 1988 |title = Turnpike to Expand Interchange 7 |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/03/nyregion/turnpike-to-expand-interchange-7.html |access-date = July 22, 2024 |work = The New York Times |language = en-US |issn = 0362-4331 }}</ref> As part of this, a new 12-lane toll plaza and trumpet interchange located {{convert|1⁄2|mi|km}} away from the original ramps were to be constructed, and the existing toll plaza was demolished,<ref name="anderson"/> though the old overpass would be left intact as a U-turn ramp. <!--This was intentional, said source does not claim this--> Construction began almost immediately, and was completed in 1990, costing $30 million.<ref name="anderson"/>

In 1985, the authority announced plans to extend the dual-dual roadway to exit&nbsp;8A in [[Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey|Monroe Township]].<ref>1985 annual report{{full citation needed|date=July 2024}}</ref> However, this created some problems in the East Brunswick area. Analysis of noise <ref>Shadely, 1973{{full citation needed|date=October 2018}}</ref> and air quality impacts were made in a lawsuit decided in New Jersey Superior Court. This case, in the early 1970s, was one of the early examples of [[environmental scientist]]s playing a role in the design of a major highway in the US. The computer models allowed the court to understand the effects of roadway geometry, in this case width, vehicle speeds, proposed [[noise barrier]]s, residential setback and pavement types. The outcome was a compromise that involved substantial mitigation of noise pollution and air pollution impacts. Groundbreaking for this project began on June 23, 1987.<ref>{{cite book |type = Report |author = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |year = 1987 |title = New Jersey Turnpike 1987 Annual Report |url = https://dspace.njstatelib.org/bitstreams/85cbb2fc-0c55-4ff1-bc9b-b3ff06b8d0f4/download |location = New Brunswick |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority }}{{page needed|date=July 2024}}</ref> Construction of the dual-dual roadway setup was completed on October 22, 1990,<ref>{{Cite news |date = October 23, 1990 |title = Turnpike opens renovated lanes |url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record-turnpike-opens-renovated-lane/138896277/ |access-date = January 16, 2024 |work = The Record |pages = 4 }}</ref> the rebuling of Exit 8A from a trumpet into T-intersection to a dual trumpet interchange was completed in May 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://ghcci.com/projects/nj-turnpike-interchange-8a-contract-w-4503/ |title = NJ Turnpike Interchange 8A, Contract #W-4503 }}</ref>

In January 1992, the turnpike was extended by {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} from I-95 exit&nbsp;68 to exit&nbsp;72B, NJDOT had sold this segment of roadway to balance the state budget.<ref>{{cite news |last = Gray |first = Jerry |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/27/nyregion/fight-over-florio-budget-plan-heating-up-in-hostile-trenton.html?scp=2&sq=new%20jersey%20turnpike%201992%20florio&st=cse |title = Fight Over Florio Budget Plan Heating Up in Hostile Trenton |work = The New York Times |date = January 27, 1992 |access-date = January 29, 2010 }}</ref>

In 1996, an HOV lane was opened between exits&nbsp;11 and exits&nbsp;14 on the truck lanes. The cost of this project was $361 million. It is reserved for use only during peak hours. By 1997, various improvements had also been made to the {{convert|1.5|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch between exits&nbsp;14 and exits&nbsp;15E in Newark. This part of the project cost $148 million.<ref name="anderson"/> On September 24 of that year, the Pennsylvania connector was officially renamed the Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension, this was done in remembrance of the Americans who died during the [[Attack on Pearl Harbor]].<ref name=renameing>1997 annual report{{full citation needed|date=August 2024}}</ref>

In May 1998, the speed limit was increased from {{convert|55|to|65|mph|km/h}} between exits&nbsp;1 and exits&nbsp;13. Despite this, no other segment north of it had its speed limit raised.<ref name="anderson"/>

In the late 1990s, a project to improve exit&nbsp;13A in Elizabeth was started. It was completed in 1999, at the cost of $140 million. It was funded by the developers of [[Jersey Gardens]], its construction was why the upgrade was carried out.<ref name="nyt-1999-08-29">{{Cite news |last = Holusha |first = John |date = August 29, 1999 |title = Commercial Property/Jersey Gardens: Outlet Mall Near Newark Airport Prepares to Open |language = en-US |work = The New York Times |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/realestate/commercial-property-jersey-gardens-outlet-mall-near-newark-airport-prepares-open.html |access-date = November 26, 2022 |issn = 0362-4331 }}</ref> Later that year, a bill to rename the mainline road as the '''New Jersey Veterans Turnpike'' was proposed by the [[New Jersey General Assembly]]. Proposed by [[Jack Collins (politician)|Jack Collins]], this memorial would have resulted in $500,000 worth of signage replacement. Despite passing the assembly, it was never signed into law.<ref name="anderson"/>

[[File:NJ TPK NB from Gordon Road overpass.jpeg|thumb|right|New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) northbound in Robbinsville Township]]
In October 1997, groundbreaking was held on a project to reconstruct the Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension.<ref name=renameing/> As part of this project, a new interchange with US&nbsp;130 was built that was completed on December 17, 1999, replacing the old slip ramp in the area that fead onto local streets with many potholes.<ref>{{cite web |title = New Jersey Turnpike—Pennsylvania Extension |url = http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/nj-turnpike_pennsylvania/ |work = Philly Roads |access-date = August 10, 2024 }}{{self-published inline|certain=yes|date=August 2024}}</ref> in addition, the toll plaza was replaced with a new wider one that contained [[E-ZPass]] lanes, this part of the project was completed in February 2000.<ref>2000 annual report{{full citation needed|date=August 2024}}</ref> On September 30 of that year, NJTA began using E-ZPass for electronic toll collection on the mainline.<ref>{{Cite news |date = October 1, 2000 |title = E-ZPass Unveiled on New Jersey Turnpike |language = en-US |work = The New York Times |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/technology/ezpass-unveiled-on-new-jersey-turnpike.html |access-date = July 9, 2021 |issn = 0362-4331 }}</ref>

A replacement exit&nbsp;1 toll barrier was completed in July 2004. Planned since the 1990s, the new plaza features 23&nbsp;lanes, a walkway to allow for the toll collectors to avoid crossing traffic, and four high-speed E-ZPass lanes (two in each direction). Construction of the plaza had started in early 2001, and had cost $44 million to construct. The plaza was located approximately {{convert|1.2|mi|km}} north of the original toll gate.<ref name="anderson" />

In 2003, the E-ZPass system was extensively overhauled when the turnpike's E-ZPass transitioned to ACS State and local solutions. Also in 2002, the authority proposed adding express lanes to the eastern and western spurs.<ref>{{cite book |author = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |year = 2003 |title = First Consolidated Toll Road Annual Report 2003 |url = https://dspace.njstatelib.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/37625e0d-7725-4557-8cee-4b57d6be8b22/content |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |access-date = August 10, 2024 |via = New Jersey State Library }}{{page needed|date=August 2024}}</ref> In January 2004, the authority opened the new 18W express gantries in Carlstadt; these allowed for two {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} lanes in each direction, though were restricted to EZ-Pass users only.<ref name="anderson" />

On December 1, 2005,<ref name="anderson" /> the authority opened exit&nbsp;15X. They did this to allow turnpike traffic to easily access the [[Secaucus Junction]].<ref>{{cite news |last = Mansnerus |first = Laura |title = A Billion-Dollar Bet |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/05njcover.html |work = The New York Times |access-date = November 22, 2011 |date = February 5, 2006 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160330013200/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/05njcover.html |archive-date = March 30, 2016 }}</ref>

In order to address chronic congestion, the authority opened a new two lane ramp at exit&nbsp;8A to carry traffic onto the newly extended [[County Route 535 (New Jersey)|CR&nbsp;535]] in February 2006. The ramp that allowed traffic onto [[New Jersey Route 32|Route&nbsp;32]] westbound was then closed off permanently (though not demolished); despite redundancy, the eastbound ramp was left intact.<ref name="canceled">{{cite news |title = Route&nbsp;92-turnpike connection project off the table—for now: Official says expansion of turnpike between exits 6 and 9 is the top priority |date = December 2, 2006 |work = Daily Record |location = Morristown, New Jersey }}</ref> In May 2006, hybrid vehicles were permitted to use the HOV lanes during peak periods.<ref name="anderson" /> The authority planned to build [[New Jersey Route 92|Route&nbsp;92]], an east–west spur from [[U.S. Route 1 in New Jersey|US&nbsp;1]] and Ridge Road in the township of South Brunswick to the mainline of the turnpike at exit&nbsp;8A in Monroe Township. This proposition was canceled on December 1, 2006.<ref name="canceled"/> The year also saw the completion of a project to expand exits&nbsp;16E and 18E. <ref>https://dspace.njstatelib.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5afae2cc-71c7-4ed4-bcc1-b0e65b7b6d9e/content</ref>

[[File:NJ TPK NB from NJ 73 overpass.jpeg|thumb|left|New Jersey Turnpike northbound approaching the Route&nbsp;73 interchange in Mount Laurel]]
In 2005, The authority began to lower the Eastern Spur (between mileposts&nbsp;107.3 and 107.5) in Newark.<ref name="anderson" /> This project, completed in 2008, made it so that the spur consisted of a minimum {{convert|15|ft|m|adj=on}} vertical clearance and {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=on}} horizontal clearance on the shoulders underneath the Pulaski Skyway ([[U.S. Route 1/9]]).

In March 2010, The authority completed a project that rebuilt exit&nbsp;16W in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]]. Several new ramps were built, and old ones were demolished. One major modification was demolishing the old ramp from the tollgate to Route&nbsp;3 west and constructing a new elevated ramp that swings swing around in the opposite direction to merge with Route&nbsp;3 west, thereby completing the double trumpet-like interchange and reducing weaving on Route&nbsp;3.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/business/buslinks/regulat/pnotices/20063095.pdf |publisher = US Army Corps of Engineers |date = March 5, 2009 |title = Public Notice: NAN-2006-3095-WCA |access-date = July 7, 2011 |first = Richard L. |last = Tomer |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722230456/http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/business/buslinks/regulat/pnotices/20063095.pdf |archive-date = July 22, 2011 }}</ref> In April, the NJTA completed a project that rebuilt exit&nbsp;12 in Carteret. The project, carried out in order to reduce truck traffic, involved constructing new elevated ramps from Roosevelt Avenue east to the toll gate, replacing what was previously a fully an at-grade interchange with a unidirectional one. In addition, the seven-lane toll booth was demolished, and a new 17-lane one was constructed in its place. While it initially planned to be completed in November or December 2009, though was delayed five to six months behind schedule.<ref>{{cite news |first = Leo D. |last = Rommel |date = May 17, 2009 |url = http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090517/NEWS/90517002/Construction+on+Turnpike+Exit+12+nearly+complete++Carteret+mayor+fears+congestion |title = Construction on Turnpike Exit 12 nearly complete |work = MyCentralJersey |publisher = [[Gannett]] |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110719080050/http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090517/NEWS/90517002/Construction+on+Turnpike+Exit+12+nearly+complete++Carteret+mayor+fears+congestion |archive-date = July 19, 2011 }}</ref>

The NJTA began accepting E-ZPass on all toll lanes on March 5, 2011, previously only marked lanes allowed for such.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/mixedmodenewsreleaseFINAL.pdf |title = E-ZPass soon to be accepted at all lanes on New Jersey Turnpike |date = March 11, 2011 |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183341/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/mixedmodenewsreleaseFINAL.pdf |archive-date = June 28, 2011 }}</ref> In the middle of that year, the authority also reconstructed the [[New Jersey Route 495|Route&nbsp;495]] westbound overpass across the turnpike at exit&nbsp;16E in Secaucus in order to add a third lane to said ramp.<ref>{{cite web |year = 2009 |title = New Jersey Turnpike Authority Construction Contract Awards |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/buss-cs-awards.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121019070024/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/buss-cs-awards.pdf |archive-date = October 19, 2012 |access-date = July 7, 2011 |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority }}</ref>

In late 2012, the authority completed a project that made many safety improvements to exit&nbsp;2 in [[Woolwich Township, New Jersey|Woolwich Township]]. A traffic signal at the T-intersection with [[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|US&nbsp;322]], and turn lanes were added, in addition, a fourth access point was also constructed.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2012/072412w.shtm |title = New traffic signal activated at Route&nbsp;322 intersection with NJ Turnpike Interchange 2 toll plaza in Woolwich |date = July 24, 2012 |publisher = New Jersey Department of Transportation |access-date = October 7, 2012 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120831165514/http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2012/072412w.shtm |archive-date = August 31, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author = McCormick Taylor, Inc. |title = Final Design and Environmental Permitting for Improvements at Interchange 2 |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/Tpk-Int-2-Envir-Assessment.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120201092837/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/Tpk-Int-2-Envir-Assessment.pdf |archive-date = February 1, 2012 |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority }}</ref>

{{multiple image|perrow = 1|total_width=250
|image1 = New Jersey Turnpike widening Robbinsville.JPG
|image2 = New Jersey Turnpike widening Robbinsville Nov 2014.jpg
|footer = Widening from 6 to 12 lanes in Robbinsville. Top, July 2012. Bottom, November 2014.
}}
[[File:NJTP (I 95) IC 8 options.jpg|thumb|Three proposals for new Exit&nbsp;8 in East Windsor. Alternative 1 was chosen (with a few changes)]]
In November 2004, Governor [[Richard Codey]] advocated a plan to widen the turnpike by extending the dual-dual configuration {{convert|20.1|mi|km}} south from exit&nbsp;8A in Monroe Township to exit&nbsp;6 in Mansfield Township. This was to be completed by 2014 when Pennsylvania was supposed to finish an interchange, that would connect its turnpike to the existing I-95 in [[Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Bristol Township, Pennsylvania]]. Finances were to be supplied by rerouting money from the planned [[New Jersey Route 92|Route&nbsp;92]] Turnpike extension.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/01/nyregion/01turnpike.html?ex=1152590400&en=f5327028e83ef2f7&ei=5070 |title = New Jersey Set to Expand Turnpike |work = The New York Times |first = Ronald |last = Smothers |date = December 1, 2004 |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090424222417/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/01/nyregion/01turnpike.html?ex=1152590400&en=f5327028e83ef2f7&ei=5070 |archive-date = April 24, 2009 }}</ref> On January 1, 2007, the NJTA released its plan for exit&nbsp;8 in East Windsor Township. The old interchange, located west of the turnpike, would be demolished and replaced with a new one located to the east of the turnpike.<ref name="exit 8">{{cite news |last = Mease |first = Alyssa |title = Part of New NJ Turnpike toll plaza opens at Interchange 8 in East Windsor |url = http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/01/part_of_new_nj_turnpike_toll_p.html |work = The Times of Trenton |access-date = March 6, 2013 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130126074351/http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/01/part_of_new_nj_turnpike_toll_p.html |archive-date = January 26, 2013 }}</ref> Other interchanges were also to be upgraded with this widening project. exit&nbsp;6 in Mansfield Township would have its dual two laned ramps replaced by multiple pairs of single lane ramps, exit&nbsp;7 in [[Bordentown Township, New Jersey|Bordentown Township]] would have new depressed ramps added, exit&nbsp;7A in [[Robbinsville Township, New Jersey|Robbinsville Township]] would have three extra collection lanes added to its gate, and exit&nbsp;8A in Monroe Township would have a new ramp added.<ref>{{cite news |last = Giambusso |first = David |title = $2.7B N.J. Turnpike widening project begins |url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/27b_nj_turnpike_widening_proje.html |work = The Star-Ledger |location = Newark, New Jersey |access-date = March 31, 2012 |date = July 2, 2009 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110816132206/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/27b_nj_turnpike_widening_proje.html |archive-date = August 16, 2011 }}</ref> The NJTA would also add a third truck lane between exit&nbsp;9 in East Brunswick Township and exit&nbsp;8A in Monroe Township. No overpass replacement was needed since overpasses were already designed with future expansion in mind. Only final preparation and paving of an outer lane in the outer roadways were required to accommodate the extra lane. New signage and lighting was installed as part of the widening project. It was thought that some transmission towers that ran near the turnpike would have to be replaced to make room for the newly constructed roadways. However, this idea was dismissed because it would have been cost prohibitive, and the towers, in fact, did not need to be.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/documents/03e_Chapter3_pp344-464.pdf |title = Executive Order No. 215 Environmental Impact Statement |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090824082730/http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/documents/03e_Chapter3_pp344-464.pdf |archive-date = August 24, 2009 |access-date = January 16, 2012 }}</ref> The widened turnpike features six lanes in each direction (3-3-3-3), double the previous capacity.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/nj-news-Widening-PIC.pdf |title = Turnpike authority to hold public information centers regarding widening project |date = November 20, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327022600/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/nj-news-Widening-PIC.pdf |archive-date = March 27, 2009 |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |access-date = July 7, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/NEWS_RELEASE_Gov_Christie_Commissioner_Fox_cut_ribbon_Turnpike_Widening.pdf |title = Gov. Christie, NJDOT Commissioner FoxPraise $2.3 Billion NJ Turnpike Infrastructure Investment Project |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141103174930/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/NEWS_RELEASE_Gov_Christie_Commissioner_Fox_cut_ribbon_Turnpike_Widening.pdf |archive-date = November 3, 2014 |publisher = [[New Jersey Turnpike Authority]] |access-date = November 3, 2014 |quote = The Widening Program created a three-lane Outer Roadway in each direction over the 25 miles between Interchange 6 in Mansfield Township, Burlington County, and Interchange 8A in Monroe Township, Middlesex County. }}</ref> The new exit&nbsp;8 opened in January 2013, featuring a new toll plaza consisting of 10&nbsp;lanes, with direct access to [[New Jersey Route 133|Route&nbsp;133]] (Hightstown Bypass) without going through any traffic lights, as well as to Route&nbsp;33 by using a grade-separated interchange.<ref name="exit 8"/>Construction of a realigned Milford Road, near the interchange, was open to traffic in October 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/construction_updates.php |title = Construction Updates: NJ Turnpike Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Program |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |access-date = March 31, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120227103633/http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/construction_updates.php |archive-date = February 27, 2012 }}</ref> Milford Road was converted into an overpass crossing over the new interchange&nbsp;8 ramp. The junction with the realigned Milford Road, Route&nbsp;33 and Monmouth Street was also modified.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Persico |first1 = Joyce J. |last2 = Kitchenman |first2 = Andrew |url = http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-2/116762800881490.xml&coll=5 |title = Pike plan raises concern |work = The Trenton Times |date = January 1, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070103052016/http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews-2%2F116762800881490.xml&coll=5 |archive-date = January 3, 2007 |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref> On July 2, 2009, a ceremonial groundbreaking took place near exit&nbsp;8 to initiate the widening of the turnpike.<ref>{{cite news |first = Erin |last = Duffy |url = http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2009/07/27_billion_turnpike_widening_u.html |title = $2.7 billion Turnpike Widening Under Way |work = [[The Trenton Times]] |date = July 2, 2009 |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605140242/http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2009/07/27_billion_turnpike_widening_u.html |archive-date = June 5, 2011 }}</ref> On January 28, 2014, the last two of the project's 31 construction contracts was awarded.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/2014_01-28-BM-Minutes-001-thru-027.pdf |title = Proceedings of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |date = January 29, 2014 |access-date = November 15, 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021030/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/2014_01-28-BM-Minutes-001-thru-027.pdf |archive-date = November 29, 2014 }}</ref> On May 17–18, 2014, the NJTA switched traffic from the inner roadway for the new outer roadway to do repairs and resurfacing of the inner roadway.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=623175911092039&set=a.429579320451700.95976.400244906718475&type=1 |title = Timeline Photos |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |via = Facebook |access-date = October 4, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180502195151/https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=623175911092039&set=a.429579320451700.95976.400244906718475&type=1 |archive-date = May 2, 2018 }}</ref> The rehabilitated northbound lanes opened on October 26, 2014, while the southbound lanes opened a week later on November 3, 2014. The final cost reported to be $2.3 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last = Schaefer |first = Mari A. |title = Expanded lanes open on New Jersey Turnpike |work = The Philadelphia Inquirer |date = October 27, 2014 |url = http://articles.philly.com/2014-10-27/news/55487850_1_southbound-lanes-truck-lane-delays |access-date = November 3, 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082704/http://articles.philly.com/2014-10-27/news/55487850_1_southbound-lanes-truck-lane-delays |archive-date = March 4, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Higgs |first = Larry |title = New southbound Turnpike lanes open |work = The Star-Ledger |location = Newark, New Jersey |date = November 3, 2014 |url = http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/11/new_southbound_lanes_turnpike_lanes_opened_monday.html |access-date = November 3, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141106154756/http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/11/new_southbound_lanes_turnpike_lanes_opened_monday.html |archive-date = November 6, 2014 }}</ref> The project employed 1,000 workers a day, and at one point was the largest active road construction project in the Western Hemisphere.<ref>{{cite web |title = Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Program Website |url = http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/ |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070708214405/http://www.njturnpikewidening.com/ |archive-date = July 8, 2007 |access-date = January 16, 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:New Jersey Turnpike Reduce Speed sign.jpg|thumb|left|A 1970s [[variable-message sign]] displaying a warning about construction ahead. These signs have since been replaced.]]
[[File:2013-12-28 15 01 10 New variable message sign on northbound Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike) just north of Exit 7A (Interstate 195, Trenton, Shore Points) in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|A modern variable message sign displaying a warning about congestion ahead]]
All of the turnpike's original [[variable-message sign]]s (VMS) were replaced from 2010 to 2015, and many new signs were also added. The replacement signs, which feature full graphic color matrix technology, are more up-to-date and feature travel times to major routes when not otherwise in use.<ref name="VMS">{{cite web |title = New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway to get new VMS |url = http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=19932 |access-date = October 16, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120401082943/http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=19932 |archive-date = April 1, 2012 }}</ref>

In late October 2015, the southbound inner roadway exit ramp at exit&nbsp;7A was closed to make repairs to the overpass crossing over the truck lanes. Steel plates beneath the deck of the exit ramp overpass "were not built to specification" when it was originally constructed, and to avoid premature replacement in the future, the ramps were repaired. These repairs were completed in late November 2015.<ref>{{cite press release |title = NJTA to Close Exit from Southbound Turnpike Car Lanes to Interchange 7A for Bridge Repairs |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |date = October 15, 2015 |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/NEWS_RELEASE_Interchange_7A_FINAL.pdf |access-date = October 24, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151106030814/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/NEWS_RELEASE_Interchange_7A_FINAL.pdf |archive-date = November 6, 2015 }}</ref>

To reduce congestion, the NJTA has widened [[New Jersey Route 18|Route&nbsp;18]] and reconstructed all the associated ramps at exit&nbsp;9 (except the ramp to Route&nbsp;18 north) in East Brunswick Township. Construction began in late 2012 and was completed in mid-2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Higgs |first1 = Larry |title = What project is backing up Route&nbsp;18? Ask @CommutingLarry |url = https://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/10/what_project_is_backing_up_route_18_ask_commutingl.html |publisher = NJ.com |access-date = July 21, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180721044630/https://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/10/what_project_is_backing_up_route_18_ask_commutingl.html |archive-date = July 21, 2018 |url-status = dead |date = October 15, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://eastbrunswick.patch.com/articles/turnpike-authority-to-widen-route-18-at-exit-9#c |title = Turnpike Authority to Widen Route&nbsp;18 at Exit&nbsp;9 |first = John |last = Saccenti |date = March 18, 2011 |work = East Brunswick Patch |access-date = July 7, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110602071024/http://eastbrunswick.patch.com/articles/turnpike-authority-to-widen-route-18-at-exit-9#c |archive-date = June 2, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/INT9-Public-Hearing.pdf |title = Interchange 9 Improvement Project |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |access-date = January 15, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120201101345/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/INT9-Public-Hearing.pdf |archive-date = February 1, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20140223/NJNEWS10/302230026/ |title = Two road projects to address traffic woes on Route&nbsp;18 in East Brunswick |first = Susan |last = Loyer |publisher = MyCentralJersey.com |date = February 24, 2014 |access-date = October 9, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141015071745/http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20140223/NJNEWS10/302230026/ |archive-date = October 15, 2014 }}</ref>

The authority planned to reconstruct exit&nbsp;14A in Jersey City and its connectors in Bayonne because the interchange was in "poor condition" and suffered from chronic congestion. This was part of a bigger project to address future traffic volume along [[New Jersey Route 440|Route&nbsp;440]]. Official groundbreaking occurred on March 11, 2015, with an expanded toll plaza and connector bridge targeted for completion in late 2018 with a $310 million budget.<ref>{{cite web |author = Gannett Fleming, Inc. |url = http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/public_hearing_report-12.pdf |title = Preliminary Engineering & Environmental Studies For Improvements at Interchange 14A: Public Hearing Report |publisher = New Jersey Turnpike Authority |date = November 2012 |access-date = March 12, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130916053034/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/public_hearing_report-12.pdf |archive-date = September 16, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/03/hudson_county_pols_turnpike_authority_break_ground.html |title = Hudson County pols, Turnpike Authority break ground on Exit 14A project |first = Jonathan |last = Lin |newspaper = The Jersey Journal |date = March 11, 2015 |access-date = March 12, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150315020944/http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/03/hudson_county_pols_turnpike_authority_break_ground.html |archive-date = March 15, 2015 }}</ref> The newly expanded exit&nbsp;14A reopened in May 2018 ahead of its anticipated opening later in the year.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/05/new_traffic_ramps_to_open_at_bayonne_turnpike_entr.html |title = 14A toll plaza in Bayonne reopens after $286M makeover |newspaper = The Jersey Journal |date = May 21, 2018 |access-date = May 30, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180528004155/http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/05/new_traffic_ramps_to_open_at_bayonne_turnpike_entr.html |archive-date = May 28, 2018 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

Signage for I-95 was extended from [[Interstate 195 (New Jersey)|I-195]] in [[Robbinsville Township, New Jersey|Robbinsville Township]] to exit&nbsp;6 in September 2018, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension was also signed.<ref name="new295">{{cite press release |first = Steve |last = Schapiro |url = http://news.transportation.org/Pages/StateDotNewsDetail.aspx?MessageId=55519 |title = I-95 to be redesignated as I-295 in Mercer County starting in 2018 |date = December 21, 2017 |access-date = December 21, 2017 |publisher = New Jersey Department of Transportation |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171222104909/http://news.transportation.org/Pages/StateDotNewsDetail.aspx?MessageId=55519 |archive-date = December 22, 2017 }}</ref>

In conjunction with the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]]'s replacement of the [[Goethals Bridge]], improvements were being studied at exit&nbsp;13 in Elizabeth and Linden.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.goethalseis.com/eis/visuals.aspx |title = Goethals Bridge Modernization Project |access-date = May 3, 2010 |publisher = United States Coast Guard and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |last1 = Louis Berger Group |last2 = Parsons Brinckerhoff |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130124113320/http://www.goethalseis.com/eis/visuals.aspx |archive-date = January 24, 2013 }}</ref> However, the interchange was ultimately left as is, with no improvements being made.

On March&nbsp;24, 2020, the NJTA temporarily suspended cash toll collection due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Drivers without E-ZPass transponders had their license plates photographed at the toll plazas and were sent bills in the mail. Cash collection resumed on May&nbsp;19 of that year.<ref name="abc7ny1">{{cite news |date = May 16, 2020 |title = Coronavirus News: Cash Tolls Returning to NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway |agency = WABC |url = https://www.abc7ny.com/amp/coronavirus-nj-reopen-new-jersey-update-news/6188286 |url-status = dead |access-date = December 21, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210114215356/https://abc7ny.com/amp/coronavirus-nj-reopen-new-jersey-update-news/6188286/ |archive-date = January 14, 2021 }}</ref>

In January 2020, the NJTA announced plans to construct E-ZPass express lanes at exit&nbsp;18E.<ref name="Higgs 2020">{{cite web |last = Higgs |first = Larry |date = January 28, 2020 |title = One of the Turnpike's busiest toll plazas is getting express lanes |url = https://www.nj.com/traffic/2020/01/one-of-the-turnpikes-busiest-toll-plazas-is-getting-express-lanes.html |access-date = November 26, 2022 |website = NJ.com }}</ref> This project was completed in November 2021.<ref name="Twitter2021">{{cite tweet |number = 1462756312148762625 |user = njturnpike |title = The new express E-ZPass lanes at Interchange 18E are open to traffic |author = New Jersey Turnpike |date = November 21, 2021 |access-date = November 26, 2022 }}</ref> Additionally, they also widened the express lanes at exit&nbsp;6 in order to add a single collection lane in each direction, as the original configuration had become obsolete.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.gannettfleming.com/project/new-jersey-turnpike-interchange-6-e-zpass-improvements/ |title = New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 6 E-ZPass Improvements: Busy Toll Plaza Adds Express Lanes for Growth and Safety |publisher = Gannett Fleming }}</ref>

From late April to May 2022, the ramps onto US&nbsp;206 at exit&nbsp;7 to the turnpike were temporarily closed so the overpass could be demolished.<ref>{{cite press release |first1 = Jim |last1 = Barry |first2 = Steve |last2 = Schapiro |date = April 29, 2022 |title = Route 206 southbound to be closed this weekend for repairs to New Jersey Turnpike ramp in Bordentown: New Jersey Turnpike ramp to Route 206 southbound to remain closed |url = https://www.nj.gov/transportation/uploads/comm/news/details/comm_np_20220429_172303_Rt206sbclosedthisweekendforNJTPKbridgerepairsinBordentown.pdf |publisher = New Jersey Department of Transportation |access-date = August 10, 2024 }}</ref>

On June&nbsp;9, 2023, the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] approved redesignating the Eastern Spur as I-695 and officially designating the Western Spur as I-95.<ref name=aashto1992a>{{AASHTO minutes |year=2023 |access-date=October 22, 2023 }}</ref>