Two tunnels connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn and Queens in New York City will be partially closed throughout the summer while the MTA tests 20-ton flood gates that will protect major passageways from hurricanes and severe winds.
The testing taking place at the Hugh L. Cary Tunnel and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel is being done proactively as part of the city’s preparations to ensure adequate protection against tropical storms and hurricanes. According to the MTA.
The test will involve closing the tunnel overnight on certain days.
The tunnel’s eight imposing flood gates are 29 feet wide, 14 feet tall, and 2 feet thick. The massive structures were installed in 2017 as part of a $7.6 billion program to repair and reinforce the area after damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Due to safety concerns, the tests must be carried out with the tunnel closed to traffic, otherwise drivers could become trapped inside the tunnel.
While the MTA conducts the test, one of the two tunnels will be closed and one lane will be open in each direction in the remaining tunnel.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has already begun and is officially scheduled to last until November 30th.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is already predicting that the Atlantic basin will be more active than usual this year, due to warmer sea surfaces and a possible return of the La Niña weather phenomenon.
In a press release, the MTA listed the remaining scheduled tunnel closures.
Hugh L. Kelly Tunnel
- Monday, July 22nd, 9pm to Tuesday, July 23rd, 5am
- Tuesday, July 23rd at 9pm to Wednesday, July 24th at 5am
- Wednesday, July 24th at 9pm to Thursday, July 25th at 5am
Queens Midtown Tunnel
- Saturday, July 27th, 12:01am to 8:00am
- Sunday, July 28th, 1am to 9am
- Saturday, August 3rd, 12:01am to 8:00am
- Sunday, August 4th, 1:00am to 9:00am
