Truck driver ignores police warnings, gets stuck in closed 12’1″ New York tunnel

A truck driver caused major disruptions to New York City traffic on Thursday when they ignored warning signs and a police officer and entered a tight tunnel connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Around 10:15 a.m. on September 28, a tractor trailer became stuck in the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel after driving about a mile through the 1.7 mile tunnel.

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), “the truck driver ignored multiple warnings from Bridge & Tunnel officers not to enter the tunnel as well as signs posted at the entry to the tunnel warning motorists about a height restriction of 12’1″. In addition, the tunnel entered by this truck was marked closed, indicated by a large red ‘X’ over the entrance.”

The stuck truck caused serious traffic delays.

Firefighters and other personnel used heavy duty cutting equipment to cut away parts of the tractor and trailer until it could be safely removed from the tunnel.

The Hugh L. Carey Tunnel fully reopened around 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.

The MTA says that the truck driver was issued summonses for traveling in an HOV lane, disobeying posted over-height warning signs, damage to property, failure to obey an officer, driving an unregistered vehicle, and operating with a flat tire.

“This driver blatantly ignored numerous highway warning signs and a Bridge and Tunnel Officer who tried to stop it from entering the tunnel,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan. “Those reckless actions caused delays to the end of the morning commute, inconveniencing hundreds of other drivers. I commend our MTA Bridges and Tunnels employees, and the FDNY and authorized tow partners for reacting quickly to safely remove the vehicle.”

The MTA says that the truck was hauling a load of paint.