A major bridge that connects Manhattan to the Bronx was stuck in an open position on Monday, effectively stalling traffic until it cools down, according to a DOT official.
The immobility of the Third Avenue Bridge was due to heat expansion caused by high temperatures during the second citywide heatwave of the summer, officials said. Transportation Department and FDNY officials were on-site, spraying the bridge with water in an attempt to cool it down so it can reopen to traffic as soon as possible, DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone said in an email around 5 p.m.
Most of the city was under a heat advisory on Monday, with temperatures expected to remain high through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, according to officials. Parts of the area, along with New Jersey and Connecticut, were expected to top 100 degrees this week.
This week’s heat wave comes as meteorologists warn of a sweltering summer that’s expected to hit record-high temperatures on multiple occasions in the city.
High temperatures during last month’s heat wave contributed to wire and connectivity issues that stalled the NJ Transit and Amtrak. Commuters at Penn Station faced hour-long delays at the major transit hub.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
