Routes like NJ-10 are the lifeblood of Morris County, but today, they're a headache. If you're stuck in gridlock right now, you already know the vibe. It's frustrating.
Commuters heading through Randolph and Denville are facing significant delays following a multi-vehicle Rt 10 accident today. While first responders work to clear the scene, the impact is rippling through local side roads and major intersections. It's basically a parking lot out there in some stretches.
What We Know About the Rt 10 Accident Today
The incident occurred during the peak of the afternoon rush. Details from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and local police scanners indicate the crash happened near the intersection of Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue. This specific spot has a bit of a reputation among locals for being tricky, especially when light timing and high speeds mix.
Witnesses on the ground reported seeing at least three vehicles involved. Emergency crews, including the Randolph Fire Department and EMS, were dispatched immediately.
Traffic is currently being diverted. If you're coming from Morristown or heading toward Roxbury, you’ve probably seen the flashing lights and the "Road Closed" signs. Police are rerouting cars onto Sussex Turnpike and Dover Chester Road to alleviate the bottleneck. Honestly, even those backroads are starting to look pretty clogged up as everyone tries to find a way around the mess.
Current Traffic Conditions and Closures
As of right now, the westbound lanes are seeing the heaviest impact. Rubbernecking in the eastbound lanes isn't helping much either.
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- Westbound Route 10: Expect delays of 20–30 minutes.
- Intersection of Millbrook Ave: Partial closures remain in effect as investigators document the scene.
- Side Roads: Sussex Turnpike and Route 46 are seeing increased volume as drivers bail on the highway.
It's a mess.
Why This Stretch of Route 10 is So Problematic
If you drive this road every day, you know it's not just "another road." It’s a commercial hub. You’ve got the shopping centers, the quick-turn exits, and the constant flow of heavy trucks.
A lot of people ask why accidents here happen so frequently. Experts often point to the "stale green light" phenomenon. Drivers see a green light from a distance and floor it, trying to beat the change. When you combine that with the 50 mph speed limit (which, let's be real, many people treat as a suggestion), you get a recipe for high-impact collisions.
There's also the issue of sun glare during this time of year. On a clear January day, the sun sits low on the horizon during the afternoon commute. It can be blinding. If you don't have your visor down or a good pair of polarized sunglasses, you’re basically driving by faith for a few seconds.
Staying Safe and Managing the Commute
When a Rt 10 accident today ruins your schedule, the first instinct is to get aggressive. We've all been there—trying to zip into a gap or cutting through a gas station parking lot to save two minutes.
Don't do it.
Most secondary accidents happen within the traffic jam of the first one. People are distracted by their phones checking for updates or looking at the wreckage instead of the brake lights in front of them.
Actionable Tips for Morris County Drivers
- Check 511NJ before you turn the key. The state’s traffic monitoring system is surprisingly accurate and updated every few minutes.
- Use Waze, but use it wisely. It’s great for finding shortcuts, but keep in mind that every other driver is seeing the same "shortcut." Sometimes staying on the main road, even if it's slow, is faster than getting stuck on a one-lane residential street.
- Increase following distance. In cold weather, tires have less grip, even on dry pavement. That extra car length could be the difference between a close call and a fender bender.
- Watch the "Slip Lanes." Route 10 has a lot of those merging lanes from shopping plazas. People often merge without looking, assuming you’ll move over.
The Broader Context of Road Safety in New Jersey
New Jersey's Department of Transportation has been looking into safety improvements for the Route 10 corridor for years. We’ve seen better signage and some adjusted signal timings, but the sheer volume of cars is the biggest hurdle.
When major accidents occur, they often trigger a fresh round of discussions among township officials. Whether it's the Randolph Council or Morris County representatives, there’s a constant push for better infrastructure. However, construction usually means more closures, so it's a bit of a "pick your poison" situation for residents.
What to Do If You're Involved in an Accident
If the worst happens and you’re part of a collision, keep your cool.
- Move to the shoulder if possible. Don't stay in the middle of a high-speed highway if your car is still movable.
- Stay in the vehicle. On a road like Route 10, walking around on the pavement is incredibly dangerous.
- Call 911 immediately. Even for a minor scrape, a police report is vital for insurance in a state with "no-fault" laws like New Jersey.
The scene of the Rt 10 accident today will likely be cleared by the evening hours, but the "residual" traffic—that annoying leftover congestion—will probably linger until well after dark.
For those of you still on the road, take a breath. You'll get home eventually. It’s better to arrive late than to become the reason for the next traffic alert.
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Keep an eye on local news outlets like the Daily Record or NJ.com for the final police reports on injuries or specific vehicle counts once the investigation wraps up tonight.
Next Steps for Drivers:
Check the current live map on 511NJ.org to see if the Millbrook Avenue intersection has fully reopened before you head out. If you usually take Route 10 West, consider jumping on I-80 or Route 46 as a primary alternative until at least 7:00 PM tonight.