Executive Summary
- A pedestrian was fatally struck in a crash on Route 495 westbound in Union City, New Jersey, on Wednesday morning.
- The incident resulted in major traffic disruptions and lane closures near the Lincoln Tunnel.
- Authorities redirected traffic and advised commuters to use the George Washington Bridge as an alternative route.
- The cause of the fatal crash is currently under investigation by law enforcement.
A pedestrian was fatally struck in a crash on Route 495 in Union City, New Jersey, early Wednesday, causing extensive traffic delays for commuters near the Lincoln Tunnel. The incident prompted a significant response from authorities and major disruptions to morning travel into and out of New York City.
The collision occurred on the westbound lanes of Route 495 at Kennedy Boulevard. In response to the crash, law enforcement officials closed the affected lanes and began redirecting traffic leaving the Lincoln Tunnel onto local streets. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
The traffic impact extended beyond the immediate area of the crash. Inbound traffic toward New York City experienced heavy congestion, with backups reported as far back as Route 3 near the Meadowlands, largely due to onlooker delays. The situation was further complicated by the closure of the express bus lane, which merged bus traffic with other vehicles.
Transportation officials issued an advisory urging motorists to seek alternate routes. Commuters were specifically advised to use the George Washington Bridge to avoid the gridlock stemming from the incident on Route 495.