Fort Lee Travel: Bus Fees, Bridge Work and Route 495 Delays

Three separate transportation conditions are affecting Fort Lee travel near the George Washington Bridge and the Port Authority bus connections as of July 29, 2026.

The Port Authority changed its bus-fee structure on July 12. Rehabilitation work continues on the northbound Center Avenue bridge, with right-lane and sidewalk restrictions scheduled through September. NJ TRANSIT is also warning that heavy Route 495 traffic may delay buses traveling into and out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal by up to 15 minutes.

These are separate issues, but they can overlap for residents, commuters, delivery operators and businesses making cross-Hudson trips.

What changed on July 12

The Port Authority’s new bus-fee structure took effect July 12, 2026. The change applies to bus carriers or operators using Port Authority facilities, including the George Washington Bridge Bus Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

That does not by itself establish that passengers are paying a higher fare. Any effect on ticket prices, delivery charges or other customer costs would depend on decisions made separately by individual carriers and businesses. Residents should distinguish the Port Authority’s operator fee from the price shown on a bus ticket.

Center Avenue work continues through September

Rehabilitation is ongoing on the northbound Center Avenue bridge near the George Washington Bridge approach. The right lanes and sidewalk are scheduled to remain closed through September 2026, while the work proceeds in stages and travel lanes remain available.

The restrictions affect access near Fort Lee’s bridge approach. Drivers should follow posted signs and allow additional time rather than assuming normal lane or sidewalk access. Pedestrians should use posted detours and avoid entering restricted work areas.

NJ TRANSIT warns of Route 495 delays

NJ TRANSIT is warning that bus service traveling into and out of the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal could face delays of up to 15 minutes because of heavy traffic on Route 495. The figure is a potential delay, not a guarantee that every trip will run late.

For Fort Lee riders, the warning is relevant to trips that connect through the Port Authority Bus Terminal. A delay on Route 495 can add to the uncertainty created by bridge-approach work, especially during busy travel periods.

Planning guidance for Fort Lee travelers

• Bus riders: Check current NJ TRANSIT alerts before leaving and build a time buffer for trips to or from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
• Drivers: Expect changing access near the northbound Center Avenue bridge and follow current signs rather than relying on familiar patterns.
• Pedestrians: Use marked detours around the closed sidewalk.
• Delivery operators and businesses: Separate the Port Authority’s carrier fees from any pricing decisions made by a bus company, shipper or service provider.
• Time-sensitive travelers: Plan for the possibility that bridge work and Route 495 congestion may affect the same cross-Hudson trip.

Fees, construction stages and traffic conditions can change. Travelers should check the Port Authority and NJ TRANSIT alerts before making a trip across the George Washington Bridge.

Sources

• Port Authority George Washington Bridge updates
• NJ TRANSIT Route 495 travel alerts