QUEENS, NY – A debris spill early Saturday morning snarled southbound traffic on Interstate 678 near Hillside Avenue, leaving one of three lanes blocked and commuters facing unexpected slowdowns. The incident began around 7:13 a.m., according to highway officials, who confirmed the right lane remained closed as crews worked to clear the roadway.
Authorities said debris scattered across the lane forced drivers to merge left, creating a bottleneck just as morning traffic began to build. No injuries or collisions were reported, but motorists were advised to expect delays through the area.
Cleanup operations were underway shortly after the spill was reported, and maintenance crews were dispatched to remove the debris and inspect the road surface for damage. Officials did not immediately release details about the cause of the spill or what materials were involved.
Traffic cameras showed vehicles backing up several hundred feet before the Hillside Avenue exit, though flow remained steady in the remaining two lanes. Commuters were urged to use alternate routes or allow extra travel time until the scene was fully cleared.
By midmorning, the New York State Department of Transportation was monitoring conditions to determine when the blocked lane could safely reopen.
- Debris spill reported around 7:13 a.m. on I-678 southbound
- One of three lanes closed near Hillside Avenue
- Cleanup crews on scene; no injuries reported