Sign in

Lincoln Tunnel traffic chaos: Massive delays in both directions for morning commute into New York City

Here's all you need to know about the massive delays on the Lincoln Tunnel, which was shut on Thursday due to a crash investigation.

Published on: Aug 28, 2025, 18:23:15 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
Copy link
  • copy link

Commuters faced major delays as parts of the Lincoln Tunnel remained closed on Thursday morning amid a crash investigation. The delays were witnessed for both inbound and outbound traffic, CBS News reported. Since 1:30 AM (local time), a police investigation was being conducted on the outbound side of the Lincoln Tunnel's Helix.

A crash investigation led to parts of the Lincoln Tunnel being closed for hours. (Representative image/Unsplash)
A crash investigation led to parts of the Lincoln Tunnel being closed for hours. (Representative image/Unsplash)

Also read: Zohran Mamdani serves chai as prize at end of NYC scavenger hunt

Lincoln Tunnel delays: What to know?

Due to the ongoing investigation, several lanes of the 495 Helix moving into New Jersey remained shut. As per Pix11, only a single lane remained open that was heading towards New York City.

As per CBS News, the delays stretch to the New Jersey Turnpike as well as onto Route 3.

Among the outbound lanes, two were opened back at around 7:30 AM (local time), but passengers continued to face delays.

Due to the crash, NJ Transit buses moving towards the Port Authority Bus Terminal witnessed major traffic delays of up to 30 minutes more than the usual time.

In a post on social media, the Port Authority informed that officials are diverting the New Jersey-bound traffic towards the Hoboken Tunnel.

“NJ TRANSIT bus tickets and passes are being cross honored by NJ TRANSIT rail service,” it wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, a police official was seen taking a vehicle bumper into custody from the roadway's westbound side. Several areas at this location have evidence markers, Pix11 reported.

As of now, it remains unclear when the traffic will be back to normal.

Several people on Thursday took to social media to highlight hours-long delays and gridlock due to the major incident at the Lincoln Tunnel.

Also read: Optical illusion: Only 1 in 10 people can spot the hidden cat in ten seconds

Lincoln tunnel chaos: Alternate routes

Those planning to travel via the Lincoln Tunnel to reach their desired destinations are advised to take alternate routes to avoid traffic delays.

According to Fox5, people can use the Holland Tunnel, which is witnessing delays of around 10-15 minutes. Another possible route is via the George Washington Bridge, which is experiencing delays of nearly 30 minutes.

FAQs

Is the Lincoln Tunnel still closed?

In an X post, officials informed that the police activity has cleared, while all of the lanes have been opened again.

Why is the Lincoln Tunnel experiencing traffic delays?

This is due to a crash investigation.

What are the alternative routes to avoid Lincoln Tunnel traffic?

Commuters can also reach their destinations via the Holland Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge.

  • HT US Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT US Desk

    The Hindustan Times US Desk brings you the latest news and developments from across the United States. The team covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports, business, entertainment and stories that are trending across the country. Our coverage includes the White House, Congress, US elections, immigration and visa updates, H-1B, green cards, Social Security, education, jobs, layoffs, the economy, technology and major policy changes. We also closely follow stories that matter to Indian and South Asian communities in the US. The desk covers major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, along with player news, injuries, schedules, results and major events. Entertainment coverage includes Hollywood, celebrities, television, streaming, music and pop culture. We also report on breaking developments, major incidents, weather, public safety, court cases and other stories making headlines across the country. When a major policy or news development affects people's everyday lives, the team works to explain what happened, what it means and what readers need to know. Alongside breaking news, the US Desk produces explainers and practical stories on topics such as immigration, Social Security, taxes, education, employment and government programmes. The team also works on science, tech, business and AI stories analyzing the impact they may have on people. The team follows developments throughout the day, keeping an eye on official announcements, public records, reliable news sources and what people are talking about across the US.Read More