How the New Jersey Turnpike Changed America Forever - IT'S HISTORY

[@ITSHISTORY]

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[@karldammann]

Excellent breakdown my dude!

[@DaveONY1991]

You should make a video on Interstate 87 in New York State. I’d love to learn the history of this Interstate.

[@jimrossi7708]

Yes, please do the Garden State Parkway !

[@jamesfarrell8339]

Fantastic video I love it Thank you 😊

[@raymondstemmer887]

They tried to get rid of the BLACKS

[@danajorgensen2560]

As a NJ resident, I'm going to tell you a little secret. There is a road in southern NJ called "KIng's Highway." It runs from Salem County to at least Camden County, maybe even further north. The current form of it mostly travels the same route it did most of 300 years ago, though in my area, it was realigned a mile or so further east. That was the state's original toll road. Matter of fact, just a couple decades ago, the state allowed the last toll house from that era (located maybe a quarter mile south of Mantua Creek) to be torn down to make way for a bank, because nobody really realized what the building was until later.

[@TheHatManCole]

I live right next to that road

[@emmettmcintyre9607]

I am from Woodbury Heights and never knew about the toll house !!

[@mistergoodcitizen9914]

Kings highway start in Pennsylvania

[@tomschauer9161]

Federal Street, Camden - Rt. 537 - Monmouth Road: runs from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean ( at former Fort Monmouth, Eatontown ) was an INDIAN TRAIL known to native Americans from antiquity ! ( This is the route that the British were traversing to consolidate their forces in New York when they encountered General Washington at Monmouth Courthouse(Freehold) and engaged in the LARGEST battle of the ENTIRE Revolutionary War ! Had our forces not prevailed, we might well still be British today !

[@papimulatto492]

I grew up in Woodbury NJ currently a FL resident kings hwy brings memories

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

new jersey resident checking in, top tip i 295 which is free, parallels the turnpike from the delaware memorial bridge all the way up to mansfield

[@DJaySplitSecond]

Yep!! We always take that route to NC, the Turnpike is a cash cow

[@nunyabuziness8421]

As a truck driver never take 295 they have weigh stations there and the traffic gets intolerable

[@masterskrain2630]

Spent 35 years as an Over-The-Road truck driver, and I'm glad that I'm now retired and I NEVER have to see that MISERABLE ROAD AGAIN!!!!

[@Ragnar009]

I'm still a toll collector on that highway. It's a lot easier.

[@ramencurry6672]

Stop yelling

[@digitall2848]

The worst thing about the turnpike is if you miss your exit, you will travel (Forever!) Trying to get back on track

[@turnpike9680]

Same, but only because I moved west. What completely screwed up my experience on the NJT was the fact that they allowed cars in the truck lanes, completely defeating the purpose and messing up the flow of traffic.

[@Shawn_313]

I'm sure driving Rt 1/9 all over would of been much better for you. :(

[@brocklanders6172]

My favorite road in Jersey is Route 206. It starts in the blueberry farms of Hammonton, and ends when it crosses the Delaware River in the Poconos in the extreme northwest corner of Jersey. An absolutely stunning drive.

[@WonkieNJ]

@Garden State RX8 The bypass skips right through now luckily

[@ChristopherORourke-s7g]

I am familiar with U.S.206 where it starts at U.S.30 the White Horse Pike, I traveled on it between exit 6 of the New Jersey Turnpike to Hammonton. I lived in Elwood from 12/14/1963 to 6/21/1969. I used to pick wild blueberries in the summer, picked up pine cone in the neighbors yard and even in the woods. My late mother would make creative Christmas and House decorations from the pine cones.

[@chenfangoh5182]

@gardenstatePR that's the epitome of Baustelle

[@barrymanasse7772]

Is it called 206 because that’s the number of stoplights ?

[@DJaySplitSecond]

Oh wow my old truck route!!! But it gets backed up in some areas today

[@melasnexperience]

"(The New Jersey Turnpike) has been named the most spectacular highway in the nation." In the same sense that the Hindenburg burning was spectacular, right? Signed, frequent Turnpike driver.

[@colossicus555]

First thing I thought too lmaoooo

[@Shawn_313]

Take 1/9 from now on.. lol :)

[@nickcancelliere5638]

You from jersey

[@ericaswenson1034]

I have lived in NJ most of my life and traveled countless times on the Turnpike, and I don't think it deserves to be touted as our nation's most "spectacular" road. Maybe it is superior to other roadways in terms of design and functionality, but certainly not in terms of scenery, at least not around Newark. It does open up further south, but the Garden State Parkway, with its rolling hills and breathtaking views of the Raritan River, is much more scenic overall. The Palisades Interstate Parkway, with its diverse, lush vegetation and quaint, stone arch overpasses, is another beauty of a road. Even NYC and LI, notorious for antiquated road design, traffic jams and accidents, offer more "spectacular" highways than the NJ Turnpike. Some of these would include the West Side/Henry Hudson/Saw Mill River Parkway, the FDR Drive, the BQE, the Cross Island Parkway, the Northern State Parkway and the Ocean Parkway. Interstate 95, overall, has never been known for either safety or beauty, and gets lower marks in both categories than Interstates 80, 78, 87, and 287.

[@brianarbenz1329]

For that matter, how can a highway be “spectacular?” It’s pavement and painted lines. That’s like the most “unique McDonalds.”

[@johnshields6852]

I live in Mass, the Mass turnpike was set up to be a toll road for a few years until the cost was reclaimed, you don't really think the greedy government is going to turn that cash cow off do you.

[@penskepc2374]

At least you guys don't have them on literally every stretch of highway like in NH, I Still can believe 101 doesn't have a toll.

[@bjdon99]

The tolls now aren't even to pay for the Mass Pike, they are going to pay off the Big Dig cost.

[@NOrlando952]

@@penskepc2374 93 doesn’t have a toll on it right? I thought only 95 did in NH and Maine. The NJ turnpike is worse, I drove the entire length going down to Florida from Boston and the toll at the end was like 18$.

[@penskepc2374]

@@NOrlando952 Hooksett, in-between Manchester and Concord. It's right after the Everett Turnpike and 93 meet.

[@weevie833]

@@penskepc2374 What do you expect from a state that has no state income tax? I live in NH but i am from NY/NJ. You can tell because I still keep a jar of spare change in the car. Old habit.

[@playboymaxim]

Love this! Growing up in 1970's/80's Queens, the Turnpike was like our gateway to the south, during our trips to our grandparents' house in SC. We used to catch it from the Goethals bridge in Staten Island. The smell was the thing that stood out lol! It got a better the further south we went though. I remember all the rest stops. It also carried us to my favorite theme park, Great Adventure (exit 7a). Will never forget the Jersey Turnpike

[@GrimReaper-NYC]

NY🗽 to SC🌴

[@Nxsem_Fn]

Nyc 🗽 to SC 🌴

[@rayw3537]

The Turnpike as well as the GSP are really pretty incredible infrastructure undertakings. Both highways crossing high over the wetlands of Hudson County was always incredible to me. I've always traveled the GSP more, being on the shore, so that has a special place in my heart though. Exit 98 for life!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Let's be honest, the New Jersey Turnpike REALLY changed America forever when it appeared in the iconic intro of The Sopranos...can't help but hear that theme song in my head whenever we drive on it But not sure how I would feel if I was a famous person from NJ and my legacy in the state...is a service area

[@DJaySplitSecond]

They filmed a scene in the first episode down the street from my old place on Elizabeth Ave and 1st St! I remember seeing the filming crew and equipment

[@lovly2cu725]

Ask jon bon jovi

[@mattydraps5170]

The sad thing is that now all that area is being covered in Amazon warehouses and pro logistic warehouses. Don’t forget the luxury condos that nobody can’t afford.

[@synner707]

As a New Jersian who works for NJ Transit.... I'm loving all the NJ history

[@matthewwurtzel322]

As a NJ resident, I typically drive on the Parkway more than the Turnpike. Not only does the Parkway go to more places that I usually visit, but it has much nicer views. I particularly enjoy the wild flowers in late summer and early fall in the center median. You can see them in Central Jersey in Woodbridge around the Metro Park exit and again in North Jersey across Bergen county. I would enjoy a video about the GSP. I'd also appreciate videos about the Merritt, Hutchinson and Wilbur Cross Parkways in NY and Connecticut.

[@robertkent4929]

I agree. Living in Bergen Co, the Parkway is far more accessible and is generally a more pleasant drive

[@PerthTowne]

I agree. The Turnpike and the Parkway were designed differently, and there is a different experience driving on each of them. They are both amazing highways though.

[@jakeballard7999]

The parkway is Horrible - the lanes are so narrow and all the twists and turns - NO THANKS

[@karlitop7497]

@@jakeballard7999 And there's always traffic no matter the time of day

[@ernestpassaro9663]

@@jakeballard7999 parkway is just for small vehicles turnpike is for all vehicles

[@westjkl9064]

Overall this is a really good documentary on the NJTP. However, not even mentioning the very unique car and car/truck lanes configuration seems like a really large oversight.

[@trayrite4040]

Hit the truck side and go...

[@therocinante3443]

Yeah that pretty huge actually.. that's kind of half the deal with it.

[@brianarbenz1329]

There a lot of vague statements in the narration. I wonder if it’s partly by robot.

[@westjkl9064]

@@brianarbenz1329 By robot??

[@therocinante3443]

@@brianarbenz1329 most likely. Makes me annoyed that I watched this

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

The NJ Turnpike being the most heavily traveled toll road in the US today isn't just all! Back in 1952, it was the most heavily traveled highway in the *WORLD!* But something to note, E-ZPass didn't begin in 2000. It was first installed on the NY State Thruway and Garden State Parkway beginning in 1993. Not to mention it was founded in 1987.

[@chrisortiz9343]

It was also installed on east west expressway in the 90's in Orlando Florida

[@clarkerots9348]

Most heavily traveled toll road. You have to ask yourself how much is taken in per year, and where the heck all that money goes.

[@douglasmclean2802]

The Garden State Pkwy has many fond memories for me! Growing up in Rockland County NY, just over the NJ/NY border, I spent a lot of time on the GSP going to the shore many summers, or getting us to Paramus Park Mall for clothes shopping since there wasn't sales tax on clothing 'over the boarder'.

[@kingdingaling2469]

Point Pleasant 😏 😎

[@nickmurphy4209]

Benny😂

[@triple-aries]

I grew up in Rockland County, NY too! I now live in the Jersey Shore 😀

[@fldon2306]

Vid fails to mention one of the most advanced engineering features, (but shows at 20 and 21 minute mark) the N&S "Cars Only" 3 lanes and outside N&S "Trucks and Cars" lanes with Flyover Ramps at each exit. NJT figured a 6 lane N&S is not as efficient as 2-3 lanes in each direction, especially if there's a crash, etc, preceding HOV and Pay Lanes we now see. Just ask Atlanta where I-85 and I-75 are up to 10 lanes wide, but still come to complete stops especially during Rush Hours!

[@stevenwilgus5422]

The Garden State Parkway in Southern New Jersey has always been a beautiful drive.

[@jetsons101]

Great watch. My three favorite drives are: the 95 from Holton Maine to FL, The Pennsylvania turnpike from NY to Ohio and Highway 1 from Santa Moncia Pier CA up to Port Angeles WA, all three great and all three different. Thanks to "It's History" your time and work.

[@Mayangone]

I must have driven on this turnpike at least 100 times in 1972-1973. I commuted every weekend from Maryland to Brooklyn. On returning to Maryland, I sometimes took US1. Gas on turnpike was higher about $0.35 to 0.37 a gallon, but on US1, usually about $0.28. I also saved $0.60 on the Turnpike tolls.

[@lucasrem]

The Free Sun now! all gone for America!

[@poindextertunes]

that commute sounds brutal 😢

[@projectink]

I'm a long hall truck driver from Canada and I drive-in New Jersey probably 3 times a week very familiar

[@rgkavendek]

Yes! Do one on the Parkway soon! My favorite road too.

[@samanthab1923]

No, the Parkway is no one’s fav. Just lucky it doesn’t allow trucks.

[@deepnation10009]

I love the Parkway too when it's not crowded.

[@troytheboy9144]

YES NJ VIDEO!! Certified banger

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

The widening project has already concluded. It started in 2009 and concluded in 2014.

[@grovermayersjr8025]

I was born and raised in New Jersey. And I have driven every road in my homestate. I personally think the Garden State Parkway is the most scenic road in New Jersey. I did like watching the traffic speed along the portion of the New Jersey Turnpike at Newark Liberty International Airport. Fascinating to me.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

2:37 to skip the sponsored section.

[@skipstalforce]

THe tolls between DC and New york are outrageous.

[@samanthab1923]

Did you see what the toll is for the tunnels & bridges into NYC? Like $15 one way.

[@Alex-cb2gf]

That's okay, I'll stay in Jersey.

[@joannesmith2484]

@@samanthab1923 That's why locals don't bring their cars in. Leave the car in NJ & take the PATH. Much more convenient.

[@samanthab1923]

@@joannesmith2484 I commuted for years & even though my brother lives on the East River I haven’t been into the city in years. They always come out here, PA. It came up in conversation because I used to work for the Port Authority.

[@Stache987]

@@samanthab1923 you have to pay to get out of NJ

[@royalewithchz]

Great video Ryan! Would be great to hear about highway 401 in Toronto. Known for ridiculous traffic, it’s one of north americas largest and certainly the widest highway.

[@grizzlyrage084]

I live in jersey and take the turnpike almost everyday. Never thought it was that special and then I visited Georgia. As soon as I got on their highway I missed the turnpike

[@BTman58]

😂😂

[@christopherboada7921]

Yes, please make a video about the Garden State Parkway. I grew up in Middlesex County near the intersection of the Parkway and the Turnpike. Many memories of taking those roads. My favorite was the Parkway because it was so scenic.

[@Ly12877-z]

Great video, thanks for posting!

[@thomascefalo938]

I was a toll collector at Exit 5 of the NJ turnpike in 1966 before going off to college. Got to meet governor Richard Hughes when he came off the pike once. Fond memories.

[@craigjensen6853]

My uncle lived off Exit 7A. He was very well known in the 7A region. I miss those old neon message signs at 17:35.

[@marktretter4928]

I hate the NJ Turnpike!!!! But, I will admit about 10 years ago I was driving a box truck for a local company just outside of Philadelphia. On Good Friday I had to go up to Hempstead ,Long Island to our other store there. Going up was easy, but, leaving Hempstead about 1:30 in the afternoon that day was a big mistake. 8 million New Yorkers were leaving the city for Easter Weekend. It took me about 3 1/2 hours to get from Hempstead to the Goethals bridge into New Jersey. It was the worst traffic I had ever been in. When I saw the exit to get on to the Southbound turnpike i was jumping for joy! No traffic and smooth sailing back to home….the NJ Turnpike was a sight for sore eyes!

[@bobbysenterprises3220]

Yes on the garden state parkway. Drove these when we went to adopt our birds. I like the historical footage of the road system. That might be because I'm a car guy.

[@markberg6197]

Yes please

[@blairwilliams136]

I love cars too!

[@srsykes]

Thanks for the video. Yes, I would love to see a video on the Garden State Parkway. A very interesting highway which offers some contrasts to the Turnpike. But I would hate to see you leave out the Atlantic City Expressway the newest of the trio. For the record, the Turnpike is only four lanes, two in each direction in that section.

[@leonb2637]

Actually, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was a prototype for toll roads, starting just before WW II. It also had branches with extensions to connect to the GW Bridge, 2 parallel roadways from about Elizabeth into Bergen Co.. In large part it was to replace as a main road US Rt. 1 and US Rt. 9 from New Brunswick as were becoming overloaded with traffic, especially trucks. One amazing part is where parallel is Port Newark, a major US seaport, the Turnpike, Newark Airport, US Rt. 1 & 9, and the Northeast Corridor RR tracks.

[@scottkozel1519]

Part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940. The rest wasn't completed until 1956. The NJTP mainline was entirely completed in 1951.

[@douglasengle2704]

Part of the wester Pennsylvania Turnpike made use of an unused railroad alignment giving it a better alignment than later Interstates.

[@Arkelk2010]

I am surprised you did not discuss the changeable lit warning signs, like the one shown at 17:34. One of the earliest effective systems I think. Also, the early (through at least the mid-1970s) rest stops had sit down restaurants. Howard Johnson's, with table and counter service.

[@stever7157]

If I remember correctly there were Perkins restaurants on the turnpike in the early-mid 90’s when I made several trips. I always preferred the NTP to the GSP due to not having to stop for a toll every 10 miles.

[@jonathanlee7355]

The widening project has been completed for a while now. It basically continued the widening from exit 8a to 6. I was hoping to hear more about the old neon traffic signs..I always thought they were cool. I worked a few years in a rest stop. The turnpike was shut down on 9/11 and used as an express highway to NY for 1st responders in NJ and PA.

[@MsJackieJack]

As high school seniors (Class of 2008), we voted on designs for our senior wear. The winning design said "Life is a Highway" and depicted a giant, buff Ram (our mascot) stomping down the Turnpike with a sign that says "Exit '08" behind him. 8 was our exit, and it's the first thing we said if other Jerseyians asked where we were from, since its a such small town. Everyone SAID it was corny, but it also somehow won so 🤷🏾‍♀️ I think our roadways are a peculiar source of pride. When you tell someone where you're from in Jersey, you either say a Turnpike or Parkway exit. Everyone knows around about where any of those exits let off in the state. If you don't have an exit, you live in the boonies. 😅

[@alanstevens1296]

The PA Turnpike claims to be the first!! First segment opened in 1940. However it wasn't completed until 1956. The NJTP and Delaware Memorial Bridge were entirely completed in 1951.

[@jimleech2364]

The bulk of the PA Turnpike Was completed in the 1940's. There is also Connecticut's Merritt Parkway. It was completed in 1938.

[@micksbiggestfan4006]

1968 for the second span of the memorial bridge. NJTP is epic without a doubt

[@alanstevens1296]

@@jimleech2364 160 miles of the PA Turnpike was completed in 1940. The remaining 200 miles of east-west turnpike was completed 1950 to 1956. The NE Extension was completed in 1957. The Merritt Parkway is a freeway but it does not accommodate large trucks. Turnpike service came to Connecticut with the Connecticut Turnpike in 1958.

[@jimleech2364]

@@alanstevens1296 Merritt parkway does not allow trucks now, but it may have in its early years.

[@alanstevens1296]

@@jimleech2364 All of the bridge overpasses on the Merritt Parkway, originally built to a minimum standard of 11 feet at the abutments, are too low for trucks. In some places the bridges are even lower due to roadbed re-grading. The road just wasn't designed for anything but passenger cars. Most of the original overpass bridges are still in use.

[@TracySmith-xy9tq]

I traveled the turnpike many times as a kid and teenager in the 60s and 70s. My exit was Exit 3.

[@EagleCondor3456]

NJ did something NY City could not do, build roads that move people fast from a to b. The Cross Bronx I 95 and Major Deegan I 87 are little more than surface streets in Manhattan and the Bronx. There needs to be an overhaul of the highways in NYC and a 4th Hudson River crossing connected to an expressway on the island of Manhattan. Congrats New Jersey!

[@jimmymcinerney1950]

I go on the Garden State Parkway (GSP) every week. I would love a video on it.

[@tomo9126]

The NJ Turnpike is for professional drivers and the Garden State Parkway is for the amateurs. And it's Taylor Ham, not Pork Roll!!

[@anonymousjohn386]

Agreed, taylor ham but parkway is for the shore and tpk is for the western side of south jersey to include delaware and pennsylvania crossings from mercer county and down.

[@samanthab1923]

I know what you mean. Grew up in exit 114. Avoided the Parkway unless headed to the Turnpike. Then it was that high tension driving into the city.

[@chriswright8464]

Yes, exit 9

[@joannesmith2484]

I grew up eating Taylor Ham but my kids have always eaten pork roll. Started North, ending in South.

[@tomo9126]

@@joannesmith2484 Strong parental role models are critical for child development. Let's hope your kids can overcome this hardship. 😉

[@joseanrodriguez.5]

I go through here every day I live in south jersey around Pennsauken I travel all the way to south Plainfield every week always an accident specially on the truck side going south bound

[@aarondyer1315]

Yes! The Garden State Parkway is my favorite road! Man its smooth driving!

[@Jprice141788]

Video Idea: History of Interstate 280 in NJ between East Hanover and Newark. The history of how they built it is pretty cool. They had delays, towns/cities fought to make it a depressed road, had to cut through an entire mountain, move that rock to east hanover to build up the rest of the road, and build a railroad to get it there.

[@NGRVRRaimondi]

I love that stretch when you can put the car in neutral and just coast down for miles. Not a common occurence on East Coast highways.

[@charleskra]

The old joke is that when someone finds out you are from New Jersey, they don't ask where, they ask what exit. I myself, am from exit 3.

[@walterwright7896]

I used to be from 8A

[@AndrewGreenaway]

25 months in 1950? It takes them 10 years now to expand a 10 mile span of road don't get me started on the I76/295 junction in south jersey where it looks like they partially abandoned part of it after it collapsed

[@charlesoneill7993]

I was born right off exit 7 of the N.J. turnpike/ route 295 at Walson U.S. Army hospital Ft. Dix N.J, I know we travelled north on the pike at least once in my life when we left for Germany from an airport in NY and I never travelled on the N.J turnpike again until 27 years later in search of my birth certificate and you know what... It still smelled the same!!!

[@raritania7581]

I-295 is next to the Turnpike and has different exit numbers.

[@charlesoneill7993]

@@raritania7581 no shit but you have to go down the pike and get at exit 7 and on to 295 to get to Fort Dix... You really shouldn't leave snarky comments if you don't understand whats being said

[@Ragnar009]

I'm a toll collector at exit 7. I've been one for the better part of 25 years. Mostly up north. I went to exit 7 to retire. :)

[@gregb8759]

I flew from Ft Dix to Germany as well….I grew up in PA and my doctor was at Ft Dix….that was 1967….I was a wee little lad!!

[@Alex-cb2gf]

@@charlesoneill7993 Exit 7..isn't that the exit for Jackson/Great Adventure?

[@jtgd]

0:02 I’m surprised you put a comedic take in the start

[@freetolook3727]

@4:55 $3,500,000 ($40,000,000 in 2022) for cancer study in 1948. They were studying it back then, they're studying it now 74 years later and they still have no cure.

[@QuasiTraction]

Definitely do one on the Garden State Parkway. Thanks, Ryan.

[@DingoXBX]

i live in north jersey/ NYC area and i often use I95 just to commute between the jersey suburbs and NYC so i find it really crazy all this history that i never knew of lol very informative 👍

[@edkalegi6504]

The widening program between Exits 6 and 9 was completed some years ago. It's already done.

[@bongwelll]

Yes please do the Parkway. I lived off exit 149 in Bloomfield NJ when I first moved to the east coast many moons ago.

[@NKP73]

You got it correct! I live at exit…..149

[@lizhoward9754]

Would love a video on Garden State Parkway! And I am a subscriber and regular Turnpike rider 😀

[@EpicThe112]

Within the Northeast Interstate toll highways I-90 MA Turnpike feature Big dig I-87 & I-90 NY Thruway it's the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Berkshire extension to form the Combined NY Thruway Massachusetts Turnpike systems. I-76 I-276 I-476 PA Turnpike Systems Tunnels including the Blue Mountain tunnels including the Lehigh Tunnels. I-95 NJ Turnpike Express local setup for 63 miles from Burlington County to Fort Lee, NJ that means Eastern Spur Local Western Spur Express.

[@anthonybranca1800]

Please do a video on the Parkway. I'm at exit 137. I can also use 136 and 135.

[@PGHammer21A]

The same was true in nearby Maryland - in what was to later become the Northeastern Expressway - and later the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Highway - it was Kennedy's last highway dedication before that trip to Texas.

[@tinytattoomike7943]

My dad was a cement truck driver he helped build pour the cement He was a Teamster he worked for Sam Brain and Ropark He use to tell me about seeing Jimmy Hoffa ant his union meeting’s

[@AkiraKurasawa_]

Can you tell us where Jimmy Hoffa is 👀

[@billhuffman4327]

I was born non-union! They work well for the sluggish, and they hold back the achievers! Achievers DON'T need a middle man.

[@Alex-cb2gf]

I think you mean Sam Braen cement.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

@Bill Huffman Probably wouldn’t need unions if every worker was treated fairly by their employer. Strong unions allowed the post-WWII working class to own their homes and send their kids to college. Big Biz pressured the GOP into busting unions. Ronald “Bonzo” Reagan escalated anti-union policies.

[@jerseystrongg2g352]

Whoo hooo thank you for another video of my home state!! Please do one on the GSP!!!

[@pallavmishra]

Rest areas are not necessarily named after deceased people. There is the Jon Bon Jovi rest area too

[@Alex-cb2gf]

Yes, always use the parkway for shore destinations. Traffic on weekends is a nightmare at times.

[@barrymanasse7772]

I love the night time scenery from Newark airport to the parkway interchange. The refineries lit up and churning at night is an amazing scene. We won’t mention what is being pumped. Into the environment. Enjoy the scene!

[@m.showers1242]

Subscribed! Love your refined and well-researched presentations!

[@pauldudley8837]

terrific video. yes to garden state parkway video.

[@charlesfcopeland9756]

As a cross country truck driver, I discovered many business and warehouses were built to accompany the NJ Turnpike. Calling for directions to best get to and leave their companies, most included exits from the Turnpike as only way to achieve this. Since many local roads were not designed with the use of weight, length, and overhead clearance of today's modern 18 wheel vehicles the Turnpike is indeed the safest way (although definitely not the cheapest).

[@njunderground82]

Used to travel the Turnpike everyday, and I still travel the GS Parkway everyday.

[@weneedmore766]

Gsp is a construction zone. My favorite is NJ 17

[@theawesomer8587]

I grew up in Hightstown just off of exit 8. The widening project was completed years ago.

[@beterryins]

Definitely do an episode on the GSP. The Merritt Parkway and the Hutch too!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Took that road every time we drove from Quebec to Naples, FL. Some parts were confusing, especially the junction where you need to exit on the right, pay the toll and cross numerous lanes to head south.

[@slimeydon]

Joisy? What exit?

[@marbleman52]

The pay as you exit policy was also used on I-30 between Dallas and Ft. Worth back in the 50's-60's, and there were only a few places to exit or get on I-30. After it was obvious that the toll road had more than paid for itself, the public made a huge outcry and the toll booths were taken down.

[@Disengagement1]

The paintings are so beautiful and nostalgic

[@meluckycharms111]

Interesting! I love learning about post-war americana. Something so ordinary was once a cutting edge idea! I did have some confusion about the context. Was the NJP the first interstate highway prj? That set the template for future prjs? I would have liked more info in the 1st qtr of the video. It’s a good jumping off spot tho! Just left with some questions on how it was all put together

[@thecardsaysmoops3]

The New Jersey Turnpike predates the interstate highway system, and in fact south of Exit 6 it is not an interstate.

[@ITSHISTORY]

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[@RDC_Autosports]

40 yrs driving the (green stamp) not anymore thank god! and i was the tom’s river exit on the parkway exit 82 (south bound only)

[@jimideez9829]

that was mine also...

[@beanzbros886]

Love the engineering challenges you went over! Very insightful.

[@michael7324]

I drive both the Parkway and the Turnpike everyday. Been doing it for 30 years. A lot has changed.

[@DC-dc6ey]

The new rest stops are such an improvement 🙌🏻

[@willmatic84]

I use to drive from camden to Elizabeth all the time on the turnpike 😏👌🏽 cool video

[@jonjaaay]

just an FYI the highway at 11:45 is Route 3 North in front of MetLife Stadium. Not the NJ Turnpike.

[@grantstew7318]

7:45 is a picture that's in my hometown, I was shocked to see it.

[@henryostman5740]

The PA turnpike is much longer and goes through much more difficult terrain, it was built more than ten years before the NJ pike, both used similar toll systems (I don't think magnetic strip cards existed in '51). The PA pike connects Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh although it doesn't go directly into these cities, later on extension were made to NJ, OH, and the Scranton Wilkes-Barre area. The PA pike was built on an old abandoned railway ROW for most of its length, this made ROW acquisition much easier and faster.

[@Aeyekay0]

Traffic wise, the turnpike is better than the parkway. Every time I get on the parkway there is always traffic

[@Shawn_313]

Would like to see a Garden State parkway video, I grew up off exit 114....live in Canada Now, Actually watching this reminded me that I just drove from BC to Nova Scotia and paid 1 $4 toll the entire way..lol I worked/commuted into NY for 20 Years, paid for the monthly bus pass as it was much cheaper to travel that way, Friday's in the summer I took the ferry to avoid shore traffic.

[@Mike-ge7pe]

I prefer the turnpike to the parkway. Despite carrying more vehicles, the traffic always seems to move more easily

[@ptknudson80]

Northern Virginia could learn from New Jersey. I-95 is horrible in Virginia and the expansion has been pointless. It's done little to ease congestion.

[@EpicThe112]

You mean Express Local Roadway set up. I-95 in NJ has it for 63 miles Express Roadway from Ridgefield Park to Newark is Western Spur 1970 Local Lanes Eastern Spur 1951 Upper Deck Express Lower Deck Local

[@albertjones1386]

My first trip on the New Jersey Turnpike was in 1952 as Mom and Dad and the family traveled from the Boston area to the Washington DC area. It took around 12 hours to make the trip but the New Jersey Turnpike was the fastest part. Most of the rest of the roads had much lower speed limits

[@jamesbugbee6812]

Remember the turnpike as being noted 4 being originally made too straight: people would zone out & fall asleep. The course was apparently changed after I left the area, incorporating more curves 2 raise it's 'entertainment' value, letting people stay awake. The straightness might also have been a draw 2 a secret military LSD experiment, conclusions from which R as yet unrevealed.

[@bombero3368]

My dad told me the same thing - too straight and people would fall asleep.

[@brentvance3958]

As a truck driver that drives on the turnpike, it’s garbage. Other states that when it’s paid off they remove the toll. Not NJ and NY. Definitely don’t drive thur the toll without paying. They charge you $50 per toll (admin fee). Pennsylvania charges $0 fees

[@artemiscool67]

It's top 3 most trafficked, I hate tolls but the money to maintain that super stretch has to come from somewhere. You could always use rt 1 (slow but free). Most NE states have highway tolls (and as far down as FL surprised me)

[@marciarados562]

1st turnpike opening in Oct. 1940 was the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

[@Retired88M]

I’m a trucker from Northeastern Pa and have only driven the truck sections of the GSP a couple times and thought it was a good drive but recently had the opportunity to drive it by car from Long Beach Island to Newark International in the early morning going north and it was very pleasant until I got close to where it intersected with the turnpike and then south in the mid morning

[@hebneh]

Notice that in the earliest photos and films of this turnpike (or whatever other similar roads are shown here), there are no guardrails or walls separating opposing traffic. It would take many years for people to realize that when vehicles hit each other head-on at high speeds, it's catastrophic, and barriers were absolutely necessary to stop that from happening.

[@mannyfrencha5736]

Good video. Thanks for the history

[@angelovalavanis2314]

The best highway in America, it has large lanes, a decent speed limit, multiple lanes, dedicated car lane that keeps trucks and buses away from you while driving, a good number of service stations, and gets drivers quickly up and down the state.

[@scottkozel1519]

Part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940. The rest wasn't completed until 1956. The NJTP mainline was entirely completed in 1951.

[@johnmcgourn9667]

NJ Turnpike ____________________________________________ New York

[@flavious27]

Lived about 10 minutes from Exit 2 from 1996 until I moved in 2006 to Exit 1 (i95) in Delaware. Also Exit 2 is only 2 lanes in each way south of Exit 4.

[@IamJunius]

PA Turnpike was first, not NJ. Turnpikes and related tolls had been in place in the country since the 18th century

[@mateoscarycat17]

Great highway and it took just two years to complete. It would take 20 years these day