Two New York City tunnels connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens will be partially closed throughout the Summer while the MTA runs tests on the 20-ton flood doors that protect the major passageways from hurricanes and storms.
The tests, which are taking place in The Hugh L.Carey Tunnel and Queens Midtown Tunnel, are precautionary as a part of the city’s preparation to ensure adequate protection against tropical storms and hurricanes, according to the MTA.
The tests will close the tunnels overnight on select dates.
Each of the eight flood doors in the tunnels stand at an impressive 29 feet wide, 14 feet tall and 2 feet thick. The massive structures were installed in 2017, as a part of the $7.6 billion program to repair and reinforce the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Due to safety hazards, the tests must be conducted while the tunnel tubes are closed to traffic, or drivers could potentially get stuck inside.
While the MTA is conducting the tests, one tube in each two-tube tunnel will be closed, while one lane will be open in each direction in the tunnel’s remaining tube.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is already underway and will last officially until Nov. 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has already predicted above-normal activity in the Atlantic basin this year due to warm sea surface temperatures and the expected return of La Nina conditions.
The MTA has listed the remaining scheduled tunnel closures in a press release:
Hugh L. Carey Tunnel
- Monday, July 22 at 9 p.m. through Tuesday, July 23 at 5 a.m.
- Tuesday, July 23 at 9 p.m. through Wednesday, July 24 at 5 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 24 at 9 p.m. through Thursday, July 25 at 5 a.m.
Queens Midtown Tunnel
- Saturday, July 27 at 12:01 a.m. through 8 a.m.
- Sunday, July 28 at 1 a.m. through 9 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 3 at 12:01 a.m. through 8 a.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 4 at 1 a.m. through 9 a.m.