A crash investigation early Thursday morning triggered a traffic nightmare, with Lincoln Tunnel traffic snarled in both directions well into the morning commute.
Just after 1:30 a.m. on August 28, 2025, a crash on the Helix section of Route 495 prompted authorities to close all outbound lanes leading into New Jersey and restrict inbound traffic to a single lane. The severe lane restrictions caused backups extending as far as the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3.
Key Points Summary
(For fast readers)
- When: Crash occurred around 1:30 a.m., August 28, 2025.
- Where: Helix on Route 495 near Lincoln Tunnel.
- Impact: Outbound lanes fully closed; inbound reduced to one lane, gridlock for miles.
- Recovery: Outbound lanes reopened around 7:30 a.m., but congestion persisted.
- Advice: Drivers urged to consider George Washington Bridge or Holland Tunnel.
Table of Contents
Morning Commute in Gridlock
Thousands of commuters faced severe headaches as the crash investigation forced heavy restrictions on both sides of the tunnel. Inbound traffic into Manhattan was reduced to a single lane, leading to crawl-like movement for miles. At the same time, outbound travel to New Jersey was halted altogether for hours.
The situation created gridlock extending back to feeder highways. Drivers sat through stop-and-go conditions that turned a routine commute into an ordeal lasting more than an hour longer than usual.
Bus riders were not spared either. NJ Transit reported delays of up to 30 minutes for buses traveling toward Midtown Manhattan. To ease the pressure, riders were given the option to use rail tickets on bus routes, but crowds still piled up across key terminals.
Traffic Recovery and Alternate Routes
By about 7:30 a.m., crews reopened outbound lanes to traffic, allowing vehicles to flow again toward New Jersey. However, the damage to the morning commute was already done. Even with all lanes back in service, congestion lingered well past the reopening, with inbound traffic remaining heavy as late as mid-morning.
Transportation officials urged drivers to plan ahead and use alternative crossings if possible. The following routes offered better options during the disruption:
- George Washington Bridge – Although heavy volumes were reported, both upper and lower levels provided a more predictable crossing.
- Holland Tunnel – Served as a viable alternative for drivers aiming for Lower Manhattan.
These routes absorbed some overflow, though minor delays developed as commuters sought to bypass the closure.
What Drivers and Riders Should Know
- Residual Delays: Even after lanes reopened, traffic flow improved slowly, meaning commuters should allow for extra travel time throughout the day.
- Public Transit Adjustments: Bus delays may continue until traffic patterns normalize, with some trips rerouted around the worst congestion zones.
- Future Planning: Travelers are advised to check live traffic updates before heading toward the Lincoln Tunnel, especially during peak hours.
Authorities have not released further details about the cause of the crash, but no long-term closures are expected. The tunnel is now fully operational, though morning congestion may ripple into the afternoon as vehicles clear from earlier gridlock.
Commuter Outlook
This morning’s disruption highlighted once again how critical the Lincoln Tunnel is to daily travel between New Jersey and New York City. Even a single crash can ripple across highways, bus schedules, and local roads, underlining the importance of having backup options.
With traffic now moving, commuters are encouraged to remain patient, stay informed, and plan ahead in case of similar incidents. For many, today was a reminder that the city’s busiest crossings demand flexibility—and sometimes, a lot of extra time.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe on the roads, and check back for the latest updates on traffic conditions. Feel free to share your experience or thoughts below.