Empire State Review Team 
Major Traffic Disruptions in New York Following Debris Spill on Gowanus Expressway
New York City – Tuesday morning commuters are experiencing severe delays across various routes due to a debris incident on the Gowanus Expressway.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 8:30 a.m., all inbound lanes on the Gowanus Expressway near Hamilton Avenue were closed following a significant scattering of lumber across the roadway. The cause of the debris spill is currently under investigation.
Footage from SkyFOX captured the extent of the lumber displacement on this busy Brooklyn expressway, causing major traffic backups extending all the way to the Verrazano Bridge as crews work to clear the area.
Traffic and Detours
As a result of the closures on the Gowanus Expressway, drivers are being directed to detour via Hicks Street and Atlantic Avenue to re-enter the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). This detour is likely to add significant travel time for many commuters.
Impacts on Other Roadways
Additional accidents have also been reported, complicating traffic conditions further:
- Westbound traffic on the Belt Parkway is experiencing delays near Lefferts Boulevard.
- Eastbound congestion is present on the Belt Parkway around Merrick Boulevard due to separate crash incidents.
Garden State Parkway Conditions
In New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway is heavily congested in the northbound direction toward Exit 148 due to a crash occurring on the shoulder, which has caused backups reaching Route 280.
West Side Highway Update
The left lane of the West Side Highway in the vicinity of the 150s is currently blocked by a stalled vehicle, contributing to delays that are stretching back toward the George Washington Bridge.
Recommendations for Drivers
Authorities recommend that drivers allow for extra travel time or explore alternate routes while crews continue to address these road issues.
Live Traffic Monitoring
For up-to-the-minute traffic information, you can access a live traffic map from NJ511. Click here to view the map.
