By Philip Newman
The Queens-bound (South) tube of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel is being temporarily shut down during overnight hours for about 12 weeks to allow restoration and repairs on areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the tube involved will be closed from 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. One lane will remain open in each direction in the north tube during repair periods.
The closures are scheduled for Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday and may last 12 weeks. The shutdown began Monday.
The MTA said the south tube closures may be suspended for certain major holidays and other events.
Motorists are urged to allow extra time and use alternate routes if possible.
Hurricane Sandy struck the New York City area Oct. 29, 2012 and cause extensive damage to the city’s tunnel system under the East River, including those used by the Long Island Rail Road.
