Repairs to Queens Midtown Tunnel completed after drilling accident

QUEENS – Repairs to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel are complete after a Drilling accident led to traffic standstill.

On Wednesday, water began to enter the south tube after a contractor accidentally drilled a hole, closing the tube to traffic.

According to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, a private contractor hired by the City of New York conducted test drilling along Manhattan's East River bank near the UN to find utility poles that could support a greenway promenade project along the riverfront.

According to Lieber, the contractor received false information and began drilling above the tunnel, punching a 2.5-inch hole in the tunnel's cast iron lining, allowing water to flood into the tunnel.

Although workers eventually managed to close the hole, drivers faced a truly harrowing commute while the tunnel was closed.

The tunnel was reopened on Wednesday evening after passage was deemed safe.