Construction mishap causes leak in Manhattan"s underwater tunnel
- A construction contractor accidentally drilled a hole through the cast iron lining of an underwater tunnel, causing a leak.
- The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on the Manhattan side of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, affecting traffic for nearly 100,000 drivers daily.
- No injuries were reported, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances and prevent future incidents.
On Wednesday, an underwater tunnel beneath New York City's East River experienced a significant leak due to a construction mishap. A city contractor, Warren George, accidentally drilled a 2.5-inch hole through the tunnel's cast iron lining while conducting underwater investigative work for a new esplanade near the United Nations building. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on the Manhattan side of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, which is a vital route for nearly 100,000 drivers daily. Cathy Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, explained that the drilling company inadvertently penetrated multiple layers of the tunnel, leading to water seeping through the exhaust duct and into the passage. Videos shared on social media depicted water pouring from the tunnel's overhead vents, causing concern among drivers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the leak. The drilling operation involved boring approximately 100 feet from the water's surface, with about 50 feet through water and another 50 feet through soil before reaching the tunnel. This miscalculation highlights the risks associated with construction work in close proximity to critical infrastructure. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, as officials work to assess the damage and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The leak has raised questions about safety protocols and the need for stringent oversight in construction projects that intersect with essential transportation routes.