Overnight Lane Closures at at the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel Scheduled for Tunnel Flood Door Testing

By Y.M. Lowy

The MTA has announced a series of overnight closures at the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel as part of routine flood door testing ahead of hurricane season.

The massive steel flood doors, each weighing more than 20 tons, can only be tested when a full tunnel tube is shut down. During these overnight tests, one tube will be closed while the remaining tube will carry traffic in both directions, with one lane open each way.

Closures will take place on:

● April 30 into May 1 (9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.) – Brooklyn West Tube

● May 1 into May 2 (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) – Brooklyn East Tube

● May 7 into May 8 (9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.) – Manhattan East Tube

● May 8 into May 9 (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) – Manhattan West Tube

The testing is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the tunnels are prepared for potential flooding during major storms, including hurricanes and tropical systems. 

Drivers should expect delays and plan alternate routes if traveling during these hours.