Bridge Overheats and Stalls Traffic
The historic Third Avenue Bridge, connecting Manhattan and the Bronx, became stuck open on Monday afternoon due to extreme heat. Built in 1898, the bridge’s metal components expanded as temperatures soared to 35°C, causing the machinery to overheat and swell. The 126-year-old structure stalled around 3 p.m., as reported by Fox News.
Efforts to cool and realign
Emergency crews, including marine units, responded promptly. “[There was a] report of bridge stuck halfway open. Marine units standing by as well as land units,” officials stated. FDNY boats spent hours spraying water on the bridge to cool the metal and realign it with the road deck. Aerial footage captured the extensive efforts to lower the bridge back into place.
Traffic and safety impacts
Traffic on the one-lane bridge was halted, stranding multiple vehicles without a route into Manhattan. The bridge was eventually reopened for traffic in both directions by 6:40 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Heatwave continues
This event marks New York’s second heatwave of the summer. According to Metro, a heat advisory remains in effect for Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Northern Queens, Staten Island, and Southern Queens Counties until 8 p.m. on Wednesday.