Queens-Midtown Tunnel reopens after closure when drilling contractor pierced its outside edge, officials say

The Queens-Midtown Tunnel fully reopened Wednesday, hours after being closed because a drilling contractor perforated the outside edge and caused water to flow inside, New York City officials said.

The contractor was doing "investigative drilling" in the East River, the earliest part of the design process on the United Nations esplanade project, when the perforation was made, according to Josh Kraus, chief infrastructure officer at the city’s Economic Development Corporation, which is coordinating the work.

The north tube reopened in both directions several hours after the 12:30 p.m. incident, but the south tube remained closed until before 6 p.m.

An emergency contractor was working on repairs to a 2 ½-inch diameter hole in the cast iron liner, Cathy Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, said at an afternoon news conference. Sheridan said the hole was drilled 100 feet below the water surface.

Officials did not elaborate on how much water rushed into the tunnel.

The esplanade project aims to expand the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway between East 38th and East 61st streets along the East River, improving access to the river, creating new and connected spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, and opening up waterfront amenities, according to the EDC.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.