NY: Port Authority Prepares for 7M Passengers this Weekend

More than seven million travelers are expected to use Port Authority airports, bridges, tunnels, terminals and the PATH rail system over the holiday weekend, and the agency is taking is taking proactive steps to ensure travelers enjoy a safe and stress-free experience while using its facilities across the region.

Of the estimated seven million travelers anticipated at Port Authority facilities between Sept. 1 and Sept. 6, more than 2.15 million are expected to pass through Port Authority airports.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) alone is expected to account for one million passengers this weekend, with approximately 648,470 passengers forecast to use Newark Liberty International Airport and 452,770 travelers projected for LaGuardia Airport. An estimated 20,730 travelers will pass through Atlantic City International Airport, while 4,580 travelers are expected to use Stewart International Airport.

When traveling to LaGuardia Airport, passengers should allow extra time as the reconstruction of Terminal B is underway, part of the airport’s expansive redevelopment project, and could create additional traffic congestion at the 94th Street exit. Available parking is limited, so patrons should consider other modes of transportation, including public transportation.

Travelers parking at Kennedy and Newark Liberty are encouraged to visit the Port Authority website at http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html for JFK or http://www.panynj.gov/airports/newark-liberty.html for EWR to obtain information on official airport parking, including discounts for the economy/long-term parking and other lots. For additional information on travel conditions, parking, public transportation options and passenger pick-up and drop-off at LaGuardia, please go to laguardiaairport.com.

General information on Labor Day travel can be found on the Port Authority’s website, www.panynj.gov. Travel alerts are available for Port Authority airports, bridges, tunnels and terminals by visiting http://www.paalerts.com. For alerts on airport weather delays, parking lot capacity and AirTrain Service advisories, passengers can visit http://www.panynj.info/alerts-advisories. Airline passengers also are urged to check the latest federal rules and regulations before arriving at the airports to ensure easier travel. Helpful information may be found at www.tsa.gov and www.cbp.gov.

At the Port Authority’s tunnels and bridges, the agency anticipates that more than four million vehicles will cross its four interstate bridges and two tunnels during the holiday weekend.

Weekend construction and repair projects will be canceled this weekend at the George Washington Bridge. Construction on the Bayonne Bridge also is being suspended, and bridge will remain open from 5 a.m. Sept.  2, through 9 a.m. Sept. 6.

For the Port Authority Bus Terminal, travelers are advised to purchase tickets online or in advance from their long-distance carriers to avoid the last-minute lines and congestion that often develops during holidays. They also are urged to allow extra time in general when using the Bus Terminal, given the higher number of passengers expected to use the facility during the three-day holiday weekend.

PATH is projecting more than one million riders will be using its trains starting Sept.  1 through Sept. 6. The 33rd Street line, which has been closed on weekends since early August for federally mandated service and safety upgrades, will be operational through the weekend.