(AP) - The first day of a major road project that was expected to bring epic traffic jams for New York commuters has failed to live up to the hype.

Monday is the first full day of lane closures on the approach to Lincoln Tunnel from the New Jersey Turnpike. One lane will be closed in each direction for the next 2 ½ years to accommodate the rebuilding of an 80-year-old bridge.

About 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Traffic moved smoothly during the morning and evening commutes Monday, though there were reports that some of the other Hudson River crossings were slightly busier.

Motorists have been urged to take public transportation, stagger their driving times or take alternate routes.

A New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman says motorists should continue to heed that advice and not get lulled into a false sense of security by Monday's developments.