Starting on Sunday night, March 19, 2017, and for approximately three months, the two right “Downtown” exit lanes at the Manhattan plaza of the Queens Midtown Tunnel will be closed for the final stage of exit plaza roadway rehabilitation.

Customers traveling Downtown can use the four open and newly resurfaced “Uptown” or “Crosstown” exit lanes, or the left “Downtown” exit lane, which will remain open during this period. In addition, East 37th Street between Tunnel Exit and 2nd Avenue has been temporarily converted to receive two-way traffic, to accommodate motorists exiting the tunnel from the Uptown lanes and seeking a Downtown route via 2nd Avenue.

The work includes asphalt replacement, rehabilitation of pavement joints, and concrete and masonry repairs, much of which has not been done since the facility was originally built. Rehabilitation of the right Downtown plaza lanes will comprise the final stages of the work that will deliver not only restored but improved facilities to our customers, providing a smoother ride through this Cashless Tolling facility.

This work is part of a continuing effort to upgrade the facility and improve the customer experience at the Queens Midtown Tunnel. This includes the recent implementation of Cashless Tolling to allow customers an easier and more convenient trip through the facility, improved roadway signage, and the ongoing work to implement Governor Cuomo’s New York Crossings Project, that will reconfigure toll plazas into modern transportation gateways, complete LED message boards and artwork.

Drivers should allow additional travel time or consider using an alternate route. 

Motorists can sign up for MTA e-mail or text alerts at www.mta.info and check the Bridges and Tunnels homepage or Facebook page for the latest information on this planned work.