Express E-ZPass lanes are coming to one of the NJ Turnpike’s busiest toll plazas, that serves both Interchange 16E to the Lincoln Tunnel and 18E to I-80 and the George Washington Bridge.

A $21.18 million contract to do the work was awarded to Joseph M. Sanzari Inc. of Hackensack by NJ Turnpike Authority commissioners on Tuesday. It was the lowest of three bids to do the construction of two express E-ZPass lanes in each direction at the exits and other work.

Construction could start in the spring with demolition of some of the existing toll booths and concrete traffic islands at the plaza. Work should be done by Oct. 2021.

Last year, 86% of drivers paid tolls with E-ZPass on the Turnpike, Fischer said.

“It will ease the flow of traffic” at the crowded interchange, said Robert Fischer, Turnpike Authority chief engineer. “They have back-ups, on occasion, and this will improve operations.”

Drivers going to the George Washington Bridge have to stay left at the massive toll plaza, while vehicles taking on Route 495 to the Lincoln Tunnel keep right. Adding to the maneuvering mess are commuter buses getting on the Xclusive Bus Lane to the Lincoln Tunnel.

Bus commuters on routes that use the Turnpike to the Xclusive Bus Lane to the tunnel could see a long-standing complaint addressed about weaving between lanes of traffic and getting stuck in traffic before the toll plaza. Adding express E-ZPass and modifying the XBL and exit ramps is expected to eliminate some of the weaving, officials said.

This new project will be in addition to work that is is already underway to install express E-ZPass lanes at Interchange 6 at the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway New Gretna toll plazas, Fischer said.

Are officials considering adding express E-ZPass lanes to other toll plazas, too?

“Not at this time. There are limitations,” Fischer said, referring to land constraints at busy toll plazas such as Union. “It (also) depends on traffic volume.”

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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