Traveling to Lower or Midtown Manhattan from New Jersey often requires drivers to take the Lincoln Tunnel, as it is one of just a few routes to and from the island. According to the Port Authority, 2023 saw over 19 million vehicles pass through the tunnel, which equates to over 50,000 vehicles each day. As anyone who has driven through knows, the Lincoln Tunnel is regarded as one of the most congested tunnels in the country. Bottlenecks, accidents, and other slow-downs often result in miles-long waits to simply enter the tunnel.
This raises the question of whether or not the tunnel is safe. Accidents are certainly not uncommon in the tunnel, and if you do suffer one a New York car accident attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help. Get in touch at 1-800-NOW-HURT to learn more about your rights.
Is the Lincoln Tunnel Safe?
In 2022, Bronx News 12 conducted an investigation into the safety conditions in the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. They had noticed that the nearly-100-year-old tunnel had begun to look unsafe. The crew was able to obtain inspection reports, which stated that the Lincoln Tunnel was safe overall, with the exception of the roadway in the south tunnel, where the concrete had deteriorated.
There was not in-depth information in the report on the specifics of the safety concern. However, in 2020, a water main broke which caused a leak, creating chaos among drivers stuck in the tunnel. Water broke over the walkways and had to be pumped out so traffic could move. Because the tunnel is 97 feet underground, this was a terrifying reminder of the dangers that can occur if it is not properly maintained.
When car accidents happen in the Hudson River underpass, they can be particularly dangerous, with cars backed up against each other during times of heavy traffic. In 2023, when a car caught fire in the tunnel, other drivers were trapped beneath. Although no injuries were reported, the situation could have resulted in severe injuries.
Another major issue is that these problems have been going on for decades. In 2018, two buses collided, injuring over 30 people. Back in 2012, 28 people were seriously injured when three separate vehicle crashes, including two bus crashes, happened in the tunnel within five hours of each other. These are just a handful of incidents that have happened in the Lincoln Tunnel in recent years.
Lincoln Tunnel Repairs Repairs on the Horizon
The Port Authority has many repair projects on the agenda for the Lincoln Tunnel, and several have already been completed. In 2012, the Helix was repaired, but today it is in need of a complete replacement. The plan includes widening lanes, adding shoulders, and creating broader curves for safety. While this project will almost certainly improve safety and make it easier for authorities to respond to traffic problems and accidents, it is still a number of years off. The Port Authority has not set a start date for the project.
The fact that the concrete itself is likely unsafe in the Lincoln Tunnel puts drivers at much higher risk for accidents. While traffic is often slow-moving, it is possible to incur injuries even in these conditions. Collisions with large vehicles like buses or trucks automatically cause more impact, which can result in concussions, whiplash, and more. We have also seen car fires in the tunnel before, and if you are trapped in your vehicle with traffic backed up, this could result in serious injuries or even death.
Call on a New York Car Accident Attorney
If you have been in an accident in the Lincoln Tunnel or elsewhere, Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help. We offer free case reviews, and can tell you more about your rights and your potential for recovering compensation. If you do have a case, we can also help you maximize compensation so you can make a full recovery.
If you have been in a Lincoln Tunnel accident, don’t hesitate.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation today.
