Lincoln Tunnel Crash Leads Port Authority To Cancel Buses

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A truck crash on the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel caused New York City streets to become backed up with traffic and buses to be canceled as a mass of New Yorkers attempted to leave the city for the July 4 weekend.

Traffic woes in New York City began when all outbound lanes of the Lincoln Tunnel were shut down around 1 p.m. after a truck overturned and crashed on NJ-495. The closure prevented buses and cars from accessing the tunnel and led to massive backups on streets such as Ninth Avenue, according to transit officials and witnesses.

Hordes of people attempting to leave the city by bus were met with long lines and barred entryways at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Officials posted the following message on the Terminal's twitter page.

"NJ Transit, private carriers, and PATH are cross-honoring system-wide. Extensive delays to outbound buses are ongoing. NJ Transit diversion to Secaucus Junction is no longer in effect. Please check with your carrier for updated departure information."

Port Authority officials later announced that all bus service from the PABT was suspended "until further notice." Limited service resumed around 4:30 p.m. but people were still being advised to seek alternative modes of transportation, according to the Port Authority.

Read the Patch team in New Jersey's report on the bus crash here.