A major water main break occurred Wednesday morning near the Queens-Midtown Tunnel when a contractor accidentally drilled a hole in the wall of the Tunnel. It caused extensive flooding and severe traffic delays, forcing the closure of the tunnel in both directions near the 38th Street entrance to Manhattan.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) immediately issued warnings, advising drivers to expect intense traffic and to use alternate routes. The tunnel closure caused lengthy slowdowns, all of which was documented through aerial footage capturing images of stranded vehicles. Emergency crews were ordered to restore the water main and remove floodwaters. There have fortunately, been no reported injuries or damage to vehicles, according to the MTA.
The interruption began around 12:30 p.m. when a contractor working on a nearby project for the city’s Economic Development Corporation accidentally punctured the external edge of the tunnel, which burst the water pipe. During a press conference, New York Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials addressed the incident, explaining that the contractor was working on the East River Esplanade project when the leak occurred.
The rupture had a significant impact on evening traffic, with long delays for drivers. “Horrendous. It’s the worst. I haven’t seen it this bad all summer, probably in the last two years,” said one person interviewed at the site. Another added, “It took four hours to get in today.”
On Wednesday evening, the tunnel was fully reopened permitting its operability, while the incident highlighted the risks posed by aging infrastructure and construction activities in New York City. The Queens-Midtown Tunnel is a vital route for the city, and disruptions like this remind commuters and officials about the need for constant supervision and maintenance.
