By: Richard L. Smith
A lingering deep-freeze across North Jersey is now creating a very different kind of rush-hour problem: ice.
According to a report from CBS New York, all NYC Ferry service was suspended Tuesday at 2 p.m. because of heavy ice build-up in the East River, Hudson River, and across New York Harbor, with officials warning the shutdown could last for several days.
For New Jersey commuters who rely on boats as a daily shortcut into Manhattan, the disruption is immediate.
The report also noted that New York Waterway has been operating with delays and modified schedules, and that service from Edgewater, New Jersey, was suspended as icy conditions worsened along the river.
Out on the Hudson, the scene looked and sounded like winter taking control.
Crews were forced to slow operations as floating ice thickened, especially near the New Jersey shoreline.
Tugboats were seen pushing through the river, towing ferries and breaking apart clunks and chunks of ice to keep navigation lanes passable, though trips remained slow and difficult.
The ripple effects are being felt well beyond the waterfront.
With ferry service suspended or limited, thousands of New Jersey commuters are now searching for alternate ways into New York City, turning to PATH trains, NJ TRANSIT buses and rail service, or driving across already congested bridges and tunnels.
The sudden shift is expected to add strain to the region’s mass transit network during a stretch of harsh winter weather.
Officials have not provided a clear timeline for when ferry service will fully resume.
With North Jersey several days into this deep freeze and temperatures remaining well below normal, commuters may be left adjusting their routines day by day until the Hudson clears and ferry operations can safely return.