Rahul Somvanshi
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has pulled the emergency brake on certain truck traffic across its bridges. Heavy winds forecast for today have triggered a safety protocol banning empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from all MTA crossings.
The restriction kicks in at 10:00 a.m. sharp today (Wednesday, March 5) and will likely remain in force until 6:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, according to the official MTA announcement released this morning.
“Due to heavy wind in the forecast, it is implementing a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem (piggyback, dual, triple, etc.) trucks on its bridges,” the MTA stated in their press release.
This isn’t a partial measure. All seven MTA spans fall under the restriction: Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Cross Bay Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Foot traffic is also affected. The pedestrian walkways at Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge have been closed – a precautionary measure during high-wind events.
The timing aligns with weather data showing a storm expected to hit New York City, bringing both heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts. These conditions make high-profile, lightweight vehicles particularly vulnerable to dangerous sway and potential tipping.
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MTA officials emphasize these times could shift as weather patterns evolve. They’re directing motorists to mta.info for real-time status updates. Commuters can also register for immediate email and SMS alerts through the MTA Bridges and Tunnels alert system to stay ahead of changing conditions.
For commercial haulers, this means potential route changes and delays as they adjust to temporary bridge access limitations.
