Commuters driving into Manhattan had to deal with heavy traffic and delays on Wednesday due to a drilling mistake that led to water leaking into the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. A contractor working for the New York City Economic Development Corporation drilled a hole in the tunnel casing, causing water to leak into the south tube. The tunnel was closed for hours, with both tubes reopening before 6 p.m.
Engineers were on site to assess and repair the damage, with temporary fixes being implemented while a permanent solution was planned. The contractor involved did not issue a statement, and an investigation into the incident was ongoing. The MTA initially blamed the leak on a water main break but later retracted their statement.
Commuters were advised of detours and delays in the area, with some buses rerouted and the Queensboro Bridge partially closed for roadwork. The Queens Midtown Tunnel, opened in 1940, was designed to alleviate congestion on East River bridges. The incident highlighted the importance of proper construction work and maintenance to prevent disruptions in traffic flow.
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