The Third Avenue Bridge connecting Manhattan and the Bronx became stuck open on Monday afternoon due to overheating caused by hot summer weather. Firefighters responded to the scene and are using water to cool down the bridge.
A New York City bridge became stuck open on Monday afternoon after hot summer weather caused it to overheat, pictures show.
The Third Avenue Bridge, which connects Manhattan and the Bronx over the Harlem River, became stuck at around 2:46 p.m. The metal in the 126-year-old bridge had overheated, according to FOX 5 New York, which reportedly caused it to swell.
New York City Bridge Stuck Open Due to Overheating
The New York City Fire Department confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital on Monday afternoon.
"[There was a] report of bridge stuck halfway open," officials said. "Marine units standing by as well as land units."
New York City Bridge Stuck Open Due to Overheating
Aerials show firefighters pumping water onto the bridge in an effort to cool it down. The temperature in New York City was as hot as 90 degrees on Monday. The bridge originally opened in 1898.
The FDNY added that New York Police Department (NYPD) officials are standing by to control traffic. According to FOX 5, the incident caused major traffic jams during the evening.
New York City Bridge Stuck Open Due to Overheating
Officials say that no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident. No additional details are known at this time.
New York City Bridge Stuck Open Due to Overheating
The Third Avenue Bridge is a four-lane drawbridge that connects the Upper East Side of Manhattan to the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. It is one of the busiest bridges in the city, with an average of 110,000 vehicles crossing it each day.
The bridge has a long history of problems, including several incidents where it has become stuck open or closed. In 2017, the bridge was closed for several hours after a mechanical failure caused it to become stuck open.
The FDNY is using specialized equipment to cool down the bridge. They are pumping water onto the bridge from both land and sea.
The NYPD is assisting with traffic control. They have closed off the bridge to traffic in both directions.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Investigators are looking into the cause of the overheating and the damage that was caused.
The Third Avenue Bridge is a vital artery for the city. It is hoped that the bridge will be reopened to traffic as soon as possible.
