Commuters driving into Manhattan should avoid the Queens-Midtown Tunnel as a drilling mistake caused water to leak into the tunnel, closing both tubes and snarling traffic for hours. A contractor drilling for the New York City Economic Development Corporation accidentally drilled a hole in the tunnel casing, allowing water to leak into the south tube. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority closed both tubes, reopening the north tube for two-way traffic after repairs. Heavy traffic delays lasted for hours, but the leak was eventually contained. Ongoing repairs were seen as temporary fixes until a permanent solution could be implemented. The MTA initially blamed a water main break, causing bus detours and increased traffic delays on the east side of Manhattan. The Queensboro Bridge was also partially closed for upper roadway replacement. The Queens-Midtown Tunnel, opened in 1940 to reduce congestion on East River bridges, was the site of the drilling mistake that led to the water leak. An investigation into the incident was ongoing, and the drilling company involved did not issue a statement in response to the leak. The incident caused traffic delays and detours for commuters in the area, prompting the need for repairs and rerouting of bus services.
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Traffic disrupted in Manhattan tunnel after water leaks caused by drilling error
