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The Lincoln Tunnel closed to outbound traffic early Wednesday morning after a fatal pedestrian crash on the westbound approach of Route 495 in Union City, New Jersey, triggering major delays and emergency diversions.
Latest Updates on the Closure
- A pedestrian was struck and killed around 2:00 a.m. on the westbound side of Route 495 near Kennedy Boulevard in Union City.
- The crash prompted closure of the westbound lanes leading into the Lincoln Tunnel and diversion of traffic onto local streets.
- Inbound traffic into New York City also suffered heavy backups due to rubber-necking, with congestion reaching Route 3 by the Meadowlands.
- The westbound express bus lane was shut, forcing buses to merge into general traffic and aggravating delays.
- Commuter advisory: Drivers are urged to use the George Washington Bridge as an alternate route.
What We Know & What to Expect
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Cause & Response
The incident is under active investigation by New Jersey authorities. Cause details remain preliminary.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and the closure affects the tunnel approach rather than the interior of the tunnel itself.
Traffic Impact Table
| Direction | Status | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Westbound | Closure on Route 495 approach | Outbound traffic diverted locally |
| Inbound (to NYC) | Major backups & lane restrictions | Extended delays, single-lane bottleneck |
| Bus travel | Express bus lane closed | Buses mixed into general traffic |
Recommended Alternate Routes
- Use the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan.
- Consider the Holland Tunnel as a secondary option if conditions permit.
- Plan for extra travel time if needing to approach Midtown from west of the Hudson.
Scheduled Maintenance vs. Accident Closure
Notably, the Port Authority had previously scheduled overnight closures of the Lincoln Tunnel’s center tube for maintenance.
But this current closure is not part of routine scheduled maintenance—it stems from a fatal accident and remains unscheduled.
Why This Closure Matters
- The Lincoln Tunnel is one of the busiest vehicular tunnels in the region, connecting New Jersey and Midtown Manhattan and facilitating tens of thousands of daily commuters.
- Disruptions on its approach corridors, such as Route 495’s “Helix,” often cause widespread traffic gridlock extending deep into surrounding road networks.
- With the bus lane closed, commuters face longer travel times, which may impact shift workers and morning travelers.
- Alternate crossings like the George Washington Bridge and Holland Tunnel are now seeing increased traffic volume, adding to the congestion ripple effect across the area.
What Commuters Should Do
- Check live traffic updates and tunnel status before traveling; the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey provides real-time information on conditions.
- If approaching via New Jersey, avoid Route 495 near the tunnel entrance and use alternate arterials when possible.
- Leave earlier than usual or switch to alternate transit options such as rail or ferry services if your route typically relies on the Lincoln Tunnel.
- For bus commuters using the inbound express bus lane, expect significant delays and check for any temporary schedule changes.
- Stay alert for updates from local traffic agencies, as closures may persist depending on the ongoing investigation.
In Summary
The Lincoln Tunnel closed situation highlights an unexpected and serious disruption at one of the region’s most vital connectors between New Jersey and Manhattan. While the tunnel itself remains structurally sound, the Route 495 approach closure has had major effects on both commuter and bus traffic. Travelers are urged to use alternate crossings and expect residual delays until the investigation concludes and all lanes reopen.
Stay tuned for the latest traffic developments and share your current commute experience in the comments below—how is this closure affecting your route today?