'Bridge-Gate' Attorneys Make Their Case: You Can't Sue Over Traffic

Attorneys representing the state of New Jersey responded to the allegations of a class action lawsuit rising from the "bridge-gate" scandal.

1 minute read

January 3, 2016, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Paul Berger digs into court documents filed Tuesday on behalf of a slew of defendants, including the state of New Jersey and the Port Authority," in response to a "class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Bergen County commuters and taxi drivers who were stalled in traffic when two Fort Lee access lanes to the George Washington Bridge were closed without notice in September 2013."

The lawsuit has brought renewed focus on "Bridge-gate," with the back and forth between lawyers providing some perspective about the way the public thinks about traffic. "The class-action suit was filed at the beginning of 2014 on behalf of commuters and taxi drivers who say they used gas, lost time, and suffered emotional and economic damages because of delays caused by the closure of two of the three access lanes to the GWB in Fort Lee" according to Berger. In response, the defendants' case sums up like so: "You can’t sue for getting stuck in a traffic jam."

One class action lawsuit has already been tossed out of court. U.S. District Judge Jose Linares in June dismissed a case involving the same parties pack in August. The plaintiffs were, however, offered a chance to resubmit its case with additional facts to support its claims. 

Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in The Record

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up on cardboard sign reading 'No Kings' being held up at protest at Tesla offices in Brooklyn, New York.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”

Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

1 hour ago - The Globe and Mail

Block packed with Chinese-and English-language marquees and signs in New York City's Chinatown.

A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food

Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.

3 hours ago - Civil Eats

Amtrak Acela

How to Make US Trains Faster

Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

April 11 - Bloomberg CityLab