Overnight lane closures are scheduled on the New Jersey-bound lower level of the Trans-Manhattan Expressway leading to the George Washington Bridge from Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21. The closures are part of ongoing work to replace the ramp from 179th Street to the bridge’s upper level. This project is one element of the Port Authority’s $2 billion Restoring the George program, which involves repairs and rehabilitation for nearly every major component of the bridge as it approaches its centennial.
The planned closures will take place between 11 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, and again from 11 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. During these times, two out of three lanes will be closed on the westbound lower level Trans-Manhattan Expressway from Alexander Hamilton Bridge to the George Washington Bridge. The ramp from 179th Street to the upper level will also be closed, along with one lane on the ramp from Amsterdam Avenue to the lower level expressway. Motorists can still access upper-level lanes via Amsterdam Avenue.
Full closures are scheduled both Saturday and Sunday mornings between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., during which all lanes on this stretch will be shut down in both directions. Drivers will not have direct access to West 181st Street or Henry Hudson Parkway during these hours and must follow detour routes.
Detours vary depending on route and time:
– Traffic on westbound Cross Bronx Expressway or southbound I-95 heading for New Jersey will be diverted to upper-level lanes overnight.
– Manhattan-bound vehicles can use existing exits except between 1:59 a.m. and 4 a.m., when they must detour via Exit 1 D-C-B to Amsterdam Avenue/West 181st Street; access to Henry Hudson Parkway is available at 177th Street and Cabrini Boulevard.
– Major Deegan Expressway traffic heading for New Jersey follows similar diversions; Manhattan-bound drivers face additional detours via Webster Avenue during full closures.
– Harlem River Drive motorists bound for New Jersey retain access except during full closure periods when they must use Amsterdam Avenue ramps.
– Local Manhattan road users should proceed via Amsterdam Avenue between West 180th and West 181st streets for bridge access.
– Ramps from Henry Hudson Parkway/Riverside Drive remain open throughout.
All work is weather-dependent as crews continue with upgrades under Restoring the George.
