Yesterday morning, the George Washington Bridge experienced significant traffic snarls due to a crash on the Cross Bronx Expressway. CBS News New York reported that a collision involving a tractor-trailer and multiple vehicles occurred around 4:45 a.m. near Exit 3, compelling authorities to shut down all eastbound lanes at Jerome Avenue. Although the right lane was to swiftly reopen hours later, full traffic flow was not restored until before 10:30 a.m.
Delays related to the accident were extensive, affecting not only the expressway but also traffic on the George Washington Bridge. Commuters were caught in a standstill, with cars backed up to I-80, Route 4, and the NJ Turnpike. One driver, Naim Shabataka, lamented to CBS News New York the impact of the delay on his commute, stating, "Today is definitely looking worse than it's normally like. Normally, it only takes me about 25 minutes, right? But today, it's going to take me about 50 minutes to get there. Terrible."
The New York Fire Department confirmed that the crash involved five vehicles and resulted in two individuals being taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Despite initial concerns, the FDNY clarified that there was no fuel leak from the collision. However, NBC New York indicated that there had been a fuel spill between Exit 2A and Exit 2B, leading to the closure of the eastbound lanes on the expressway.
As the city awakened to the traffic chaos, officials urged commuters to consider alternative routes. It was recommended to use other Hudson River crossings such as the Holland or Lincoln tunnels, while trucks were advised to head north for the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. As the morning progressed and the congestion began to ease, eastbound traffic at the GWB was still experiencing delays of up to 90 minutes, according to NBC New York.
