Water leaks in Manhattan causes traffic jams

Due to a drilling error on Wednesday, water leaked into the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, blocking both tubes for hours and causing traffic jams for miles. As a result, commuters wishing to drive into Manhattan should avoid using the tunnel at all costs.

The reason behind the traffic jam

A spokesman for the New York City Economic Development Corporation stated that at approximately 12:30 p.m., a contractor performing preparatory work on the East River Esplanade made the error of drilling a tiny hole in the tunnel’s outer casing. According to the spokesperson, water seeped into the south tube through the ventilation ducts from the 2.5-inch hole on the outside face of the tunnel and leaked onto passing cars.

Before 1:30 p.m., the Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued alerts due to the leak, stating that all lanes in both tubes of the busy tunnel under the East River that connects Manhattan and Queens were “temporarily closed.” According to officials, it required approximately sixty minutes for the north tube to reopen for two-way traffic.

Just before six o’clock in the evening, all lanes in both tubes were eventually restored. However, hours of severe traffic delays did not end until much later in the evening. “The northbound tunnel has been temporarily converted to handle two-way traffic while the southbound tunnel is closed,” an EDC representative stated. “Engineers are on site to evaluate any damage and begin repairs.”

The repairs and proper solution are under process

At a news conference, an official stated that the repairs being made on Wednesday night would only be temporary solutions, with a more permanent solution to be provided later. However, the official said that the leak had stopped and a plug had been placed. The contractor had drilled 100 feet below the surface, 50 feet through soil and 50 feet through water while employed by the Warren George company. Following the incident, the drilling company Warren George remained silent. There was an ongoing investigation into what transpired.

The MTA had announced that all buses would be rerouted and that there will be delays on the east side of Manhattan owing to increased traffic. The MTA had originally blamed the leak on a water main break but then removed their tweet. MTA.info states that QM 1/2/3/4/5/6/10/12/20/24/31/32/34/36/40/42/44 buses will travel in both directions to the Long Island Expressway via the 59th St Bridge.