Queens-Midtown Tunnel opens to trucks Friday - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Queens-Midtown Tunnel opens to trucks

The MTA reopened the Queens-Midtown Tunnel to trucks at 6 a.m. Friday, November 16, 2012.

The tunnel, which was flooded from road to ceiling during Superstorm Sandy, was already open to limited express bus service and cars.

"The progress that was made in bringing the Queens Midtown Tunnel back is nothing short of miraculous," Cuomo said. "The tunnel had never flooded in its 72-year history, but after being underwater, it is back in service as a vital regional link for both commuters and commerce."

Nearly 30 million gallons of water from the Newtown Creek flooded the tunnel, according to officials. That caused significant damage to mechanical, ventilation, lighting, and communications systems.

Crews spent five days dewatering both 1.6-mile long tubes, officials said. They then shifted to restoring pumps to working order.

The Queens-Midtown carries an average 78,000 vehicles each weekday. 

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