Morning Commute Turns Into Nightmare as Lincoln Tunnel Crash Investigation Causes Hours of Gridlock
Major Disruptions in Both Directions
The Lincoln Tunnel, one of the busiest gateways connecting New Jersey and New York City, turned into a commuter’s nightmare on Thursday morning as a crash investigation caused massive delays. Both inbound and outbound travelers were caught in standstill traffic as key parts of the tunnel and its connecting roadways were shut down for several hours.
Since 1:30 AM local time, police officials had been conducting an investigation on the outbound side of the tunnel’s Helix. As the probe continued, the resulting restrictions created ripple effects across major routes feeding into the city.
Lane Closures and Traffic Bottlenecks
The crash forced the closure of several lanes on the 495 Helix leading into New Jersey, leaving only one lane open for vehicles heading into New York City. Even as two outbound lanes were reopened around 7:30 AM, traffic congestion remained severe and commuters were forced to deal with long delays.
The disruption spread well beyond the tunnel itself, stretching to the New Jersey Turnpike and onto Route 3, where drivers encountered significant slowdowns.
Public Transit Hit by Long Delays
The crash not only disrupted private vehicles but also created major setbacks for public transportation. NJ Transit buses heading towards the Port Authority Bus Terminal were heavily delayed, with riders experiencing an additional 30 minutes or more of travel time compared to usual schedules.
Authorities also began diverting New Jersey-bound traffic towards the Hoboken Tunnel in an attempt to ease the situation. Earlier in the morning, investigators were seen collecting debris, including a vehicle bumper, from the westbound roadway, with evidence markers placed at the crash site.
Uncertainty Over Return to Normal Traffic
As of mid-morning, there was no clear indication of when traffic flow would return to normal. Many commuters took to social media to share their frustrations, posting images and videos of gridlocked roads and hours-long delays.
Alternate Routes for Stranded Travelers
With traffic snarled around the Lincoln Tunnel, travelers were advised to seek alternate routes. The Holland Tunnel remained a viable option, though it too experienced delays of about 10 to 15 minutes. Another possibility was the George Washington Bridge, where congestion added nearly 30 minutes to the average travel time.
For those dependent on the Lincoln Tunnel during the morning rush, the incident served as a reminder of how quickly a single crash can paralyze one of the region’s most vital commuting lifelines.