NEWS |
120-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , September 2, 1998
Even so, travelers using Newark during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend, as well as those using John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, are being advised to call ahead to find out about parking availability. Passengers departing from Newark should also consider being dropped off at terminals or at the Monorail station at Parking Lot E.
And to help area drivers enjoy the weekend with a minimum of travel delays, the Port Authority will suspend construction at its bridges and tunnels throughout the three-day Labor Day weekend.
“During busy holiday travel times like the Labor Day weekend, the Port Authority works to keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible through our facilities,” said Executive Director Robert E. Boyle. “Starting on Friday, we are suspending all non-emergency projects. On Tuesday, we’ll resume the maintenance and construction work that ensures that our bridges and tunnels will continue to meet drivers’ needs for decades to come.”
Here’s a run-down of travel tips and conditions at Port Authority facilities:
TUNNELS AND BRIDGES
George Washington Bridge -- Roadway work will be suspended from noon on Friday, September 4, until 9:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 8. Outerbridge Crossing and Bayonne Bridge -- No construction is scheduled.
Goethals Bridge -- Roadway work will be suspended from 5:30 A.M. Friday, September 4 until 9:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 8.
Holland Tunnel -- Construction will be suspended from 5:30 A.M. Friday, September 4, until 11:59 P.M. on Tuesday, September 8.
Lincoln Tunnel -- Work will be suspended from 5 A.M. Friday, September 4, until 9 P.M. Tuesday, September 8.
AIRPORTS
Some 1.2 million travelers on 16,500 flights are expected to use JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports from Friday, September 4, through Tuesday, September 8. Roadways on and around the airports are expected to be congested, and the parking lots closest to terminals should fill early. Call 1-800-AIR-RIDE for information on transportation to and from the airports.
John F. Kennedy International Airport -- Port Authority “Redcoats,” red-jacketed, multi-lingual customer service representatives recently added to all three area airports, will be on hand to assist passengers with any and all travel questions.
Staffing in parking lots will be increased to handle the expected crowds. Leave extra time for parking in long-term lots, where free buses will run more frequently to the passenger terminals. Parking in the daily lots closest to terminals is limited due to construction necessary to increase capacity and convenience.
Call 718-244-4444 for roadway and parking conditions. As you near the airport, tune in to 1630 AM for the latest on parking conditions.
Newark International Airport -- Along with the 2,300 new parking spaces this summer, a new valet parking service has also been added. Even so, long-term parking may be in short supply during this weekend of high travel demand. Travelers are advised to consider being dropped off at their terminal or at the Monorail station at Parking Lot E.
The airport Monorail provides free, frequent service between Terminals A, B and C, and from the terminal area to the car rental complex and Long Term Parking Lots D and E. Save time by driving directly to Monorail Station E at Parking Lot E and taking the Monorail to your airline terminal. This is especially convenient for passengers who have a boarding pass and only carry-on luggage.
Before leaving for the airport, call 1-888-EWR-INFO and press 22 for airport and parking information. Because Monorail service has made Lots D and E very popular, they tend to fill early. If those lots are full, follow signs directly to the North Area of the airport, to Lot G. From there, free, frequent bus service is available to all terminals. As you near the airport, tune in to 530 AM on your radio for the latest roadway and parking updates.
A helpful hint for luggage-laden travelers: Personal luggage carts are available in Parking Lots D and E and at the exits from all Monorail stations and in all terminals. Vans also circulate in parking lots to assist customers with luggage.
LaGuardia Airport -- Redcoats will be much in evidence throughout the airport all weekend long to assist travelers. You may also call 718-533-3400 for roadway and parking conditions.
PATH
PATH will operate on a weekend schedule on Monday, September 7. Customers may call 1-800-234-PATH for service and schedule information.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
Additional staff will be on hand to assist with heavier-than-usual long-distance traffic. If you have not bought a ticket in advance, consider coming to the terminal early.
Hudson River Ferries
The Weehawken to Midtown Manhattan (38th Street) line will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, September 7, with departures every 15 minutes. Also on Monday, Hoboken/Colgate to Battery Park City service will operate on a Sunday schedule, with departures every 20 minutes. For more information, call 1-800-53-FERRY.
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