NEW YORK — It was the scene of many nightmares for Americans on Monday in New York City. Imagine driving through a tunnel deep under a large body of water, to notice the water from a hole in the roofing filling the tunnel with water from above.
That’s what happened this week.
A contractor drilling near the Queens Midtown Tunnel accidentally punctured the tunnel’s cast iron barrier, causing water from the East River to enter the tunnel on Tuesday, according to officials.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) temporarily closed the tunnel for nearly an hour after the leak was discovered. The closure disrupted traffic during the afternoon, leading to delays in the area.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber confirmed the incident, explaining that the contractor had been “drilling to find pylons for the East River Greenway” when the breach occurred. The drilling caused a 2.5-inch hole in the tunnel’s cast iron liner, allowing river water to seep through.
“We determined it was a drilling contractor who drilled about a 2.5-inch hole through the cast iron liner,” said Cathy Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels.
No injuries were reported, and officials said the tunnel was reopened after crews assessed the damage.