Route 17 in New Jersey was closed for hours in both directions because of downed wires, snarling traffic during the Monday evening rush that extended into the next morning.
Chopper 4 over the scene in the Allendale Avenue area of Saddle River showed traffic backed up for miles as emergency crews attended to the scene.
By early Tuesday, officials said the southbound side of the road and part of the northbound side had reopened to traffic. However, officials said the right lane in the northbound remained closed. It didn't fully reopen until 5:30 a.m.
A passing truck snagged the wires, which brought down utility poles.
Commuters were urged to leave early Tuesday morning or avoid the area all together until the roadway fully reopened.
