The Alternative Press

Two lanes on each side of Route 287 have been reopened after this morning's fiery plane crash, but officials warn commuters to expect congestion and delays.

Normal capacity is three travel lanes in each direction, so motorists should expect congestion and consider alternate routes, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The DOT said capacity remains restricted due to the ongoing crash investigation.

The crash in Morris Township, just beyond exit 35, snarled traffic all day. Two travel lanes were opened to southbound traffic through the crash zone at about 2:30 p.m., with a single travel lane and the shoulder opened to northbound motorists at 3 p.m.

“Regaining this travel capacity is good news, but this is a major incident and we anticipate delays,” said NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson. “We are deploying portable Dynamic Message Signs throughout he area to alert motorists of the situation and to help them choose alternate routes.”

Information is also posted on www.511nj.com

Alternate routes for I-287 southbound motorists include exiting I-287 at Route 24 to I-78, where they can travel east or west, or motorists can head east on I-80 to Route 19 to the Garden State Parkway.

Alternate routes for motorists who normally travel north on I-287 can take I-78 east to Route 24 and head north to return to I-287 north of the crash zone. Alternatively, they can stay on I-78 east and take the Garden State Parkway north to I-80.

The small plane crashed this morning shortly after taking off from Teterboro Airport. After apparently experiencing difficulties in flight, the plane crashed into the median between the northbound and southbound lanes before exploding. All five people on board, three adults and two children, were killed. No motorists were involved.