The mad dash to get to the Jersey Shore began Friday, with roadways full of cars and brake lights.

On Friday evening, it was no surprise to see a line of cars on Route 36 between Eatontown and Long Branch. Traffic was expected to get worse closer to the beach.

Along the Garden State Parkway at the Cheesequake Rest Area, cars were at times moving quickly and others slowing down coming over the Driscoll Bridge, which should be plenty crowded over the next day or so.

Later in the day at the Monmouth Service Area in Wall Township, drivers said traffic was mostly nonexistent along the Garden State Parkway.

Those heading to the beach should anticipate a slow-go depending on the time of day. Others were heading to the races at Monmouth Park.

Drivers at one point told News 12 the most frustrating part of their trip through New Jersey was in the northern portion, in Newark and right around Interstate 78, where there was plenty of stop-and-go traffic.