Tolls to be suspended on 2 NJ evacuation routes

    New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered tolls suspended on two major evacuation routes as the state prepares for Hurricane Irene.

    The governor has urged all residents and visitors to leave barrier islands and shore areas for safer locations.

    To make the evacuation easier, the governor said Thursday night that tolls will be temporarily suspended on the Garden State Parkway south of the Raritan River and the Atlantic City Expressway beginning at 8 a.m. Friday.

    Christie said Routes 47 and 347 in Cape May County will be closed to eastbound traffic and all lanes will be used to move traffic westward beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. He said police will tightly control access to those highways to ensure motorists’ safety.

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    A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for Cape May County.

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