Flooding disrupts traffic in Queens Midtown Tunnel after drilling accident
- A drilling contractor accidentally punctured a hole in the Queens Midtown Tunnel, causing water from the East River to flood the area.
- The tunnel was closed for about 45 minutes, with one lane reopening later, but traffic remained heavily congested.
- City officials recommended public transportation to avoid delays, as the MTA worked to pump out the water and assess the damage.
On Wednesday afternoon, a drilling accident occurred in the East River, leading to significant flooding in the Queens Midtown Tunnel. A contractor, engaged in investigative work for the upcoming UN esplanade project, accidentally drilled a 2.5-inch hole in the tunnel's roof. This incident caused water to pour into the south tube of the tunnel around 12:30 p.m., prompting immediate closure for safety reasons. Video footage captured the alarming scene, showing water cascading down as vehicles continued to navigate the tunnel. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) responded quickly, with officials closing the affected area for approximately 45 minutes. By 3 p.m., one lane in each direction was reopened, although traffic remained heavily congested. MTA CEO Janno Lieber confirmed that the damage was caused by a city-funded private contractor, emphasizing the need for careful drilling to avoid such incidents in the future. In light of the flooding, city officials advised commuters to utilize public transportation to mitigate delays. The MTA was actively engaged in pumping out the water, and while two-way traffic resumed in the north tube, the south tube remained under assessment for further damage. Governor Kathy Hochul urged caution for those traveling in the area and recommended alternate routes. This incident follows a summer of partial closures in the tunnel, during which the MTA tested flood doors designed to protect against severe weather. The flood doors were part of a larger initiative to reinforce the tunnel after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure in flood-prone areas.