Falling Debris Snarls Rush Hour On GW Bridge

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A New Jersey-bound lane of the George Washington Bridge will be closed through Wednesday evening's rush hour after falling debris injured a driver earlier in the day, Port Authority officials said.

The driver was in the westbound lane of the Cross-Bronx Expressway leading to the George Washington Bridge around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday when the debris fell, according to a spokesperson from the Port Authority.

"The Port Authority is investigating the incident and will undertake any necessary repairs immediately," New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said on X (formerly Twitter).

The driver was taken to a local hospital, FDNY officials told Patch. A Port Authority spokesperson told Patch that the driver's injuries are non-life-threatening.

According to New York City's Department of Emergency Management, the New Jersey-bound lower level of the George Washington Bridge is now closed in Manhattan for emergency maintenance. Port Authority confirmed that the lane will be closed through the evening commute.

"All westbound lanes leading to the lower level of the GWB will remain closed until this investigation is completed and the necessary repairs are done; we expect them to remain closed through rush hour this evening," the Port Authority stated.

Drivers headed to the 181st Street exit are being directed to the Jerome Ave and Major Deegan exits, according to the Port Authority.

The Port Authority said drivers should plan for delays getting home and make alternative travel plans if possible.

This is a developing story and will be updated. For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.