in the old days the split sides ended a lot earlier (exit 8A) and they used to be long backups coming southbound. And I always found that the truck side moved better through it (because of lower volume probably, and it was fewer lanes). maybe a decade ago they widened it all the way down to where 195 comes in and it pretty much eliminated any issues with clogging up at that point.
———————————————— When I did my last stint of consulting (almost 8 years) I drove the PA turnpike for about 40 miles round trip. One 10 mile stretch had 3 lanes so trucks used the right lane as suggested, I did too because there were lots of times the truck traffic was light to non existent. So it was like having my own private lane. I was constantly amused watching cars jockey for position in the middle and left lane. I set my car on cruise and just watched them fight it out as I usually got to my exit ahead of them. Some folks actually believe that when you’re on the turnpike you’re supposed to ride in the left lane continuously.
There are plenty of folks that think semi’s are a hazard to humanity but my experience is that truck drivers are the safest drivers not rouges. Your run of the mill car drivers are the rouges. Just my opinion.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Growing up, whenever we took the NJ Turnpike my Dad always drove with the trucks. I thought it was to drive my Mom crazy. He said that most truck drivers are very disciplined drivers and they’ll tap their brakes when they know there’s a cop ahead from the CB radio.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@nyccarguy said:
Growing up, whenever we took the NJ Turnpike my Dad always drove with the trucks. I thought it was to drive my Mom crazy. He said that most truck drivers are very disciplined drivers and they’ll tap their brakes when they know there’s a cop ahead from the CB radio.
I’ll take my chances with the trucks than the clapped out black 05 Altimas doing 97 in a 65 while texting.
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When I did my last stint of consulting (almost 8 years) I drove the PA turnpike for about 40 miles round trip. One 10 mile stretch had 3 lanes so trucks used the right lane as suggested, I did too because there were lots of times the truck traffic was light to non existent. So it was like having my own private lane. I was constantly amused watching cars jockey for position in the middle and left lane. I set my car on cruise and just watched them fight it out as I usually got to my exit ahead of them. Some folks actually believe that when you’re on the turnpike you’re supposed to ride in the left lane continuously.
There are plenty of folks that think semi’s are a hazard to humanity but my experience is that truck drivers are the safest drivers not rouges. Your run of the mill car drivers are the rouges. Just my opinion.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Growing up, whenever we took the NJ Turnpike my Dad always drove with the trucks. I thought it was to drive my Mom crazy. He said that most truck drivers are very disciplined drivers and they’ll tap their brakes when they know there’s a cop ahead from the CB radio.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I’ll take my chances with the trucks than the clapped out black 05 Altimas doing 97 in a 65 while texting.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.