You’ve seen the brake lights. That endless sea of red stretching back toward the Palisades or clogging up the Trans-Manhattan Expressway. It’s a rite of passage for anyone living in the tri-state area, but honestly, "the GWB" is more than just a bridge. It’s a $2 billion construction site that never seems to sleep. If you think you can just "wing it" at 4:00 PM on a Tuesday, you’re basically asking for a headache.
Traffic to GW Bridge is a living, breathing monster.
Most people assume the George Washington Bridge is just busy because there are too many cars. While that’s part of it, the real story is the massive "Restoring the George" project. This is an 11-project overhaul aimed at keeping the 95-year-old steel giant from literally falling apart. Right now, in early 2026, we are in the thick of some of the most disruptive phases yet.
Why the GWB Approach is Currently a Nightmare
If you’ve driven through Fort Lee recently, you know the Center Avenue bridge is a mess. As of January 12, 2026, the Port Authority kicked off a major rehabilitation of the Center Avenue overpass.
They’ve closed the right lanes and the sidewalk on the northbound side. This isn't just a "weekend thing." It’s scheduled to last until September 2026. Because this bridge sits right over the approach to the GWB, it creates a ripple effect that backs up the I-95 express and local lanes for miles.
You can’t even turn left from Bruce Reynolds Boulevard onto Center Avenue anymore.
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Detours are everywhere. If you’re trying to hit the New York-bound I-95 from the local Fort Lee streets, you’re being shoved toward the Park Avenue ramp. It adds ten, maybe fifteen minutes to a trip that used to take three.
The Toll Trap: 2026 Rates are No Joke
Let’s talk money. Crossing into New York just got more expensive. On January 4, 2026, the Port Authority hiked the tolls again.
If you’re still using "Tolls by Mail" (basically the "I forgot my E-ZPass" tax), you are paying $23.30. That is wild. Even with a standard E-ZPass, you’re looking at $16.79 during peak hours.
Peak hours? They’re wider than you think:
- Weekdays: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Weekends: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Yeah, you read that right. Sunday afternoon traffic is now officially "peak" time. If you want the $14.79 off-peak rate, you basically have to be a night owl or a very early riser.
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Upper Level vs. Lower Level: The Great Debate
Everyone has a "system." Some people swear by the Lower Level because "the trucks aren't there." Others stick to the Upper Level because they want the view—or the hope that more lanes mean faster movement.
The truth? In 2026, the Upper Level is often a trap.
Because of the ongoing deck replacement and joint repairs, the Port Authority has been pulling "switcheroos" with overnight closures. One night the Lower Level is shut down completely (usually 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM), forcing every single car and truck onto the top. The next night, three lanes on the Upper Level are gone.
If you aren't checking the "Crossing Time" app before you hit the Englewood cliffs, you’re rolling the dice.
Real-World Shortcuts That Actually Work
Is there a "secret" way? Not really. But there are smarter ways.
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If the GWB is showing a 45-minute delay (which is basically a normal Tuesday), many seasoned drivers head north to the Mario Cuomo Bridge (formerly the Tappan Zee). Yes, it’s a longer drive in terms of mileage. But moving at 65 mph for 20 extra miles is almost always better for your sanity than crawling at 2 mph in the Alexander Hamilton Bridge bottleneck.
Also, watch the Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP).
The ramp from the southbound PIP to the New York-bound Upper Level is a notorious choke point. During this 2026 construction phase, that ramp often closes overnight. If you see the "Delays to GWB" sign on the PIP near Exit 4, just bail. Take 9W. It’s not "fast," but it keeps you moving.
What to Do Before You Leave
Don't be the person staring at the back of a Greyhound bus for an hour.
- Download the PANYNJ "CrossingTime" App. It’s surprisingly accurate. It shows real-time speeds, not just "green or red" lines.
- Check the "Planned Weekly Construction" page. The Port Authority posts these every Friday. If you know the Center Avenue project is hitting a specific phase, you can plan your detour before you're stuck in the "No Left Turn" lane.
- Fund your E-ZPass. Seriously. If your account hits zero and you get hit with the "Toll by Mail" rate plus administrative fees, you’re paying nearly $30 for a single crossing.
- Time your run. If you can hit the bridge at 10:15 AM, do it. The "post-rush" window is real, but it’s small. By 11:30 AM, the early lunch crowd and the long-haul truckers start filling the gaps again.
Traffic to GW Bridge isn't going to get better anytime soon. With the "Restoring the George" project scheduled to continue through the end of the decade, the bridge is basically a permanent work zone. Your best bet is to stay informed, keep your E-ZPass loaded, and always have a "Plan B" route through Yonkers or the Lincoln Tunnel in your back pocket.