The Turnpike

Lower the road surface under the Pulaski Skyway.

So I love the turnpike. Worth visiting? No. But it gets me around and it’s a huge part of Jersey.

but it gets me to New York City

A truly massive highway surrounded by truly massive industry from exit 11 or so on up.

It’s a cultural experience. New Jerseyans are defined in large by their relationship to the Turnpike. There is not one New Jerseyan alive who doesn’t have a story about the Turnpike- sneaking on, sneaking off, driving up to the Vince Lombardi rest stop to see the model of Lambeau Field in popsicle sticks (no longer on display).

When I was 18 or 19, the employee gate at the Molly Pitcher rest stop (between exits 8 and 8A) was usually open all the time- not unlocked, open. Most people who knew about it would smeak off the Turnpike there. My friends and I, however, would sneak into the rest stop, because they had the best video games in the arcade.

I live off exit 3 and work off exit 4. 45 cents each way!

Jersey Turnpike has gotten far too expensive.

oh the turnpike. if you live in nj, people tend to ask “what exit?” haha. from exit 10 and below, it’s decent. the ride isn’t bad and there are trees and greenery. from 10 and up, it’s factory and industry city. sometimes the smell by exit 13 is UNBEARABLE and absolutely gross!!! it is expensive, and the traffic can be bad but, that’s pretty much how nj is. gets you where you need to go.

most people from others states, or mostly from other regions, don’t understand what it’s like to drive on the turnpike, not that it’s anything amazing. it’s just…so new jersey. it adds a lot to your perspective of the state, and it’s so essential for travel to pretty much anywhere important.

Traffic sucks usually though. And it’s expensive. But, it gets me to NYC and back home.