Third Avenue Bridge Shuts Down Amid Scorching Heat Chaos
The crucial Third Avenue Bridge linking the Bronx and Manhattan is completely closed after a mechanical meltdown sparked by overheating equipment. Emergency crews are on-site battling to fix the mess.
Bridge Stuck Open as Heatwaves Hit 90 Degrees
The 120-year-old bridge, spanning the Harlem River, jammed in the open position on Monday. Temperatures soared to 90 degrees, causing the metal to swell and jam the locking mechanism. This left no way for vehicles to cross the busy river artery.
Desperate Cooling Attempts Fail to Realign Bridge
Rescue teams have been spraying water from boats to cool the bridge metal and coax it back into place. But so far, neither end of the bridge is aligning properly, leaving the route stubbornly closed.
Rush Hour Grinds to a Halt; No Reopening Time Set
Evening commutes are snarled with major traffic jams. Authorities have yet to say when the bridge will reopen, warning drivers to find alternative routes and avoid the area altogether.
“Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available,” officials said.
